Spring Valley Academy Awarded Musical Instruments via Grant From Save The Music Foundation

A special holiday surprise came to Spring Valley Academy (SVA) in the form of a pallet full of new musical instruments for the school’s revitalized band program. The instruments came courtesy of a grant from the Save The Music Foundation.

The ‘Core Band Grant’ from the Save The Music Foundation provides new instruments and equipment for the school’s band program, which was restarted during the 2024-25 school year. SVA currently has two band classes and two additional music classes.

“Save The Music reached out to us through the County Office of Education and the La Mesa-Spring Valley district offices as they were looking for a band to help,” explains Liz Loether, Principal of Spring Valley Academy. “It was a big grant that provided a huge opportunity to grow our music program, and gives students the chance to experience a real audience and meet music professionals.”

The instruments provided through the grant include 8 flutes, 11 clarinets, 3 alto saxophones, 6 trumpets, 4 trombones, 1 bell kit, 1 snare drum kit, 1 cymbal kit, and 1 bass drum with stand and beater. The instruments are accompanied by music stands, sheet music, textbooks, and a subscription for the school’s music and band teacher to teach an online curriculum.

Student Excitement

The excitement from students was palpable. “You should have seen - it was so adorable,” says SVA band and music teacher Tino Felicetta. “Some of the students who just started band, they're like, ‘I can't wait to get my instrument!’ They're squealing and screaming; it’s really awesome to see. The energy is infectious.”

The instruments were sorely needed, as many from the past band program had fallen into disrepair. “I have an instrument graveyard at the front of the classroom,” says Felicetta. “There are so many instruments that don't work.” Prior to receiving the grant, Loether says some children had to sit and watch others play instruments as there weren’t enough for everyone. Not anymore.

With a new supply of instruments, student opportunities have expanded. Felicetta sees the students’ excitement as something to transform into practice and results. “I like to see the excitement for these instruments, and turn it into motivation to practice.”

Prop 28 Funds Arts in California
The grant stipulations included a commitment to employing at least one full-time certified music teacher in its budget for the school year during which it receives the grant. This was already fulfilled thanks to Spring Valley’s funds from California’s Proposition 28, which focuses on visual and performing arts programs.

“We were able to bring back and fund our music teacher with Prop 28 funds last year, so the voter initiative was a huge help,” says Loether. “The teaching position continues to be funded through Prop 28, and we’ve now been able to add so many new instruments from this great new grant.”

Opportunities For All Grades
The band classes are available to any interested student, explains Loether: “All sixth graders take a Foundations of Music class to get an introduction to music and playing an instrument, so we're hoping to spark some interest there.” In addition to two Foundations of Music classes, SVA offers a Beginning Band class and an Advanced Band course. Students who already have musical training are eligible to move into the Advanced Band at any grade level.

Special education programs are incorporated into music class in seventh and eighth grade, and sixth and seventh graders also have access to guitar class later in the year.

The growing program is creating exciting opportunities for students. “Children are going from playing notes to now where we're hearing songs, melody, and other great things coming out of our music classes, which is wonderful,” smiles Loether. “This grant is going to reinvigorate our music department and open it up to more kids playing, so it’s huge.”

Performance Opportunities at San Diego Festival
Another perk of the program is the opportunity for students to perform, with one opportunity in front of a large festival crowd. Save The Music has coordinated with Platinum-selling San Diego band Switchfoot to provide performance opportunities at the band’s annual Bro-Am Beach Fest in Encinitas. Students in the band have been invited to play at a Bro-Am fundraising event to kick off the festival weekend in June; the students will also perform on the festival stage.

Growing the Music Program
With advanced band and beginning band classes already in place, plans include developing ensembles such as a jazz band or a marching band, says Loether.

And students can’t wait. The response to the expansion of music education has been ‘wonderful’: “It's certainly sparked more interest,” concludes Loether. “And although we thought the kids would go the modern route for music, they actually chose a very traditional path. They want to play instruments like the flute and clarinet and have an instrumental band, which is amazing. We are all so excited about this great opportunity.”

Felicetta echoes Loether’s thoughts and reflects on seeing the students’ excitement. “I love this, but seeing [the students] want this is incredible. A lot of students are coming to my door and saying, ‘I want to have an instrument. I want to play.’ It’s just great. We need that.”