UPTON – At Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT), students put their hands and minds to work in their academic classrooms and vocational shops, developing the skills, confidence, and desire to succeed. As you walk the hallways, listen carefully. You’ll hear another sound mingling with the buzzing of saws and hammering of nails; it’s the unique timbre of a flute and French horn or the smooth and complex sounds of a saxophone. It’s exhilarating to witness students wield the tools of their trade and develop their technical skills. However, adding a passion for the musical arts can bring a whole other dimension and purpose to their lives and careers.

The music program at BVT, under the guidance of Dr. Colton Cox, is about more than just teaching students to play musical instruments. It’s a transformative journey that equips students with a deeper understanding of music, its origins, influences, and theory, guiding them to apply these concepts when playing instruments. This integrated approach enriches their academic experience and fosters a lifelong love for music.

“We’re proud to put quality tools, in this case, musical instruments, into the hands of our students, thanks to a partnership with Burkart Flutes and Piccolos, with whom we share an appreciation for craftsmanship, precision manufacturing, and hands-on technical skills, said Dr. Cox. “The instrument manufacturer donated flutes and piccolos, which our music department uses for instructional and training purposes to produce sounds we cannot produce on our own, and in that sense, they’re our tools of trade.”

The generous donation significantly contributes to the educational process at BVT. Each instrument placed in a student’s hand is a learning opportunity that leads to increased participation in the school band and equitable access to music education for students who may otherwise not be able to participate. By removing barriers, financial or otherwise, accessibility to instruments allows students the freedom to follow their musical passion and learn to play music.

The music program is grateful for the recent instrument donations from Burkart Flutes and Piccolos, as well as the in-kind donations of a saxophone and French horn from Hungry for Music. The additional support is “instrumental” in growing and ensuring a sustainable program that strives to increase equitable access to a broader range of musical tools and instruments for all its students.