Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project

Jul 1

Written By Ben Houghton

FAST FACTS

School Name: Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project

Location: Tamil Nadu, India

Programs: in person and virtual Vocal Music, Piano, Guitar, Violin, General Music

Participants: 324

Duration: 32 hrs/week year-long

Teaching Artists: Brittany Stone, Manuela Restrepo, Sravan Suresh, Ylenia Piola, Christopher Sierra, Bridgette Gan, Ida Jo, Rahul Jhunjhunwala

Partnered with BAE since: 2016

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Dear Broadway for Arts Education Supporters,
Hi, I’m Gokul from the 12th Grade. My experience in the Shanti Bhavan choir has completely changed my life because, during the beginning of high school I was more of an introvert but after participating in private lessons and jam sessions I am no more afraid of big crowds.
The music program has made me feel empowered by showing me that even if you don’t believe in yourself if you give in to the fear you will grow stronger. Since I joined the music program I have progressed so much in my personality and the way I talk to my friends in a very positive way. When I first joined the music program I was afraid that I will mess up in a concert or crack on a visitor’s day, but the support I got from my peers and instructors always gave me the courage to keep trying. Now I think that I can sing well and interact well because of the support I got from my friends and instructors.
The music program has made the connection with my friends and teachers more like a bond with a family, I feel more closely connected and cared for while practicing in the music program. The thing I like most about the music program is to get a chance to spend time productively by learning music and making closer connections with people and by doing things with so much excitement and joy.
Thank you!
Gokul
-Mercina, Class of 2023 choir student
Dear BAE Supporters,
The BAE music program has helped me grow as an individual and a part of a community over the years. I started my musical journey as a timid choir member, not at all confident in her voice and its power, but through the immensely meaningful songs I learned and the never-faltering encouragement and support you gave me, I can proudly say that I've grown into a singer with conviction in her talent and courage in her heart. The program has also taught me the value of togetherness. Music, in its various forms, including choir, jazz, and just listening to songs or instrumental pieces, has brought us together unlike anything I know. Belting to Adele and understanding lyrics of OneRepublic's "Apologize" has made me realize how lucky I am to be able to share something I love doing, with others who enjoy it as much as I do. It has made us a true family, bound by love, united by chords. It has shown me that as one person, we are melodic, beautiful and independent, but when joined by others of diverse passions and beliefs, we are a harmony, a symphony of inclusion and meaning. This growth is a testament to what could be, what will be, because of those like you, who believe in us and our stories, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank you,
Elsa
Another aspects of the BAE education that I believe doesn't get enough credit is that we gain a lot of knowledge through the music we learn. The songs taught in choir actually broadened our world view on current events and history, and it also taught us to appreciate other cultures.”

Vel Senthil, graduate and rising senior at Stanford University
Dear Broadway for Arts Education Supporters,
BAE has helped me in many ways to become the brave and strong person I am today. One of the biggest challenges that I faced before I joined the program and during it was time management. I was not able to make it on time for my classes and I have been learning to take responsibility. I have learned a lot about time management. Now, I think that I am able to make it for class and other daily things in my life. While this learning process, I learned that I can manage things like being on time to class and take leadership roles in the program, and I was able to unlock my full potential.
One of the most inspirational figures in this program is Mr. Ben. He was a very positive and encouraging person who always kept things going during camp even when things got hard. He always had a smile on his face no matter what. These are a few qualities I look up to.
Thank you,
David
Franclina, 11th grade piano and choir student
Dear Broadway for Arts Education Supporters,
For me, all the teachers and mentors in the music program have inspired me. I don’t think everything could ever be better than how we are now because everyone’s efforts make the lives of many happy. Dr. Chris’s voice is amazing and I’m sure I can’t be greater than him. His voice is able to hit every pitch and note and I’m sure there are more things about his voice that we are not aware of. Mr. Ben, hands down, does this talented thing that I guess no one could do or accomplish. The piano he plays comes alive just to entertain the audience. I know that this world can be better because of the talented things that Mr. Ben can do. Ms. Brittany has this mature understanding and a really amazing opera voice. I wish I could hit that pitch at least once in my lifetime. Ms. Manu, how can I forget the person who understands our lives like no one and makes our days as wonderful as hers. Her cute voice (especially in Spanish) can outstand the beauty of many voices. Her love for us would make us want to never stay distanced ever. Shravani’s voice is amazing, especially for the rangama he sings. I see that his passion for music inspires me to never give up on something I love even though it brings out many feelings out of me. Mr. Rahul, your piano lesson I had was memorable but I can see that I enjoyed every time you made sure I got what I wanted.
All of you’ll bring the best out of me. I love music but most of all I love it because of you’ll. If there were memories of music, you’ll will be present in it. In my life, there is no music if there were no you’ll. I love you’ll.
—Jamuna
-Dhanush, graduate and rising sophomore at Dartmouth College
Dear Broadway for Arts Education Supporters,
I want to start this by saying how much I love this program and the teachers & mentors of this program. This music program community brought about a sense of belonging and teamwork for it brought us together to have fun and take pride in the small parts we play in this community. It helps us understand each other better and it motivates us to give our best. I am very thankful to have this program since it helps us understand our abilities better and helps us to grow confident and BRIGHTER. And with the help of our teachers and mentors, we grow together bringing everyone else up with us, supporting them if they need it and having someone to help you grow all along. GROWING AND watching everyone else grow is so wonderful.
And the ARTS CAMP OF 2024 was one of my favorite memories of the year. I loved being part of the dance team for the musical we had put together at this arts camp. I think I gave my best and I loved the outcome of it.
I THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE FOR US. I LOVE BROADWAY FOR ARTS AND EDUCATION.
Thank you,
Dimpal

THANK YOU LETTERS FROM SHANTI BHAVAN STUDENTS (CLICK TO READ)

REVENUE & EXPENSES

Programming was made possible thanks to the incredible support from Sing for Hope and individual BAE donors.

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IMPACT REFLECTION

2024 marked Broadway for Arts Education’s 9th year of providing music programming at the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project in Tamil-Nadu, India. More than 300 students, aged 4-18, participated in hundreds of hours of virtual and in-person private piano, guitar, violin, and voice lessons, general music classes, and choir rehearsals.

The year began with program leadership from BAE and Shanti Bhavan setting the following goals for the music program:

Provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where students can explore their artistic talents, develop their skills, and express themselves creatively
Instill and reinforce the values of punctuality, responsibility, and time management to prepare students for success in college and career
Instill and reinforce the values of ownership, accountability, and independence by creating opportunities for student-led projects and performances

Amidst story after story of students demonstrating progression towards these goals all year long (see below), the true stand-out moment of the year was Arts Camp during the final two weeks of May. For the first time ever in Shanti Bhavan history, the students wrote, produced, directed, designed, and performed in an original musical, A Change For A Change. Not only did students exhibit incredible growth in their instrumental, vocal, acting, and dancing skills (bringing several long-term staff members to tears), but showed incredible work-ethic and time-management skills as they achieved the great feat of accomplishing such a multi-facets arts project in only 2 weeks.

“I first came to Shanti Bhavan nine years ago and have helped produce countless concerts and performances with this community,” says Executive Director Ben Houghton, “but never have I seen the students work so efficiently, at such a high level, and with such joy. I have so many memories of scrambling to put everything together right up to show time, with a cloud of stress and anxiety hovering over everything. This year, the familiar ‘cram-culture’ feeling was almost non-existant. I couldn’t believe that 2 days before the show, we were teaching ‘rest, relaxation, and review’ instead of frantically finishing learning music and choreography. I credit so much of that to the work that Brittany Stone and the rest of the year-round team put in every day. They have been very intentional about using the music program to instill habits of punctuality, attentiveness, information retention, and collective accountability. Witnessing the manifestation of their hard work is one of the greatest rewards I could receive as an educator and leader.”

Another huge factor to the success was our incredible partnership with Sing For Hope, who have not only served as the primary funding source for the program for the past two years, but also sent an incredible team of teaching artists to lead design, direction, costuming, dance, and music classes. We were also blessed to have four interns from Azim Premji University supporting our team of educators throughout the camp.

Our favorite success story of not only the past year, but the past 9 years, is that of graduates long-time music program participants, Hemanth and Akshay (whom we first met when they were in 5th grade), who will be attending Princeton and Swarthmore, respectively, this fall.

Our trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive teaching aims to improve student well-being and engagement. By creating a safe and supportive environment where students' past experiences are acknowledged through trauma-sensitive approaches, our dedicated teaching artists empower students to overcome challenges like stage fright and shyness. Eshwari, an 11 grade student enrolled in piano and choir said: "Choir has really taught me such wonderful skills, from standing on stage to perform in front of a large crowd to doing solos in choir. Choir has made me a more confident person, allowing me to explore myself and come out of my comfort zone."

Our culturally responsive approach celebrates and integrates students' diverse backgrounds. David shared how the program "has helped me in many ways to become the brave and strong person I am today." Students love coming to music classes and jam sessions allowing them to learn, create and explore their emotions. Poovarasan, a 10th grader, said: "Broadway for Arts Education is really important to me because it brings a lot of color to my life through music. For me, it means a lot because music is an outlet for emotional expression and stress relief, creating a sense of joy and personal fulfillment." With peer support and returning mentors fostering a sense of empowerment and community, students have thrived thanks to increased enrollment and more performance opportunities, gaining confidence and a valuable platform for self-expression Shashirekha, a 11th grader, said: "When I joined the choir, everyone around me—the BAE volunteers and my choir friends—encouraged me to not be afraid and be confident with my voice. Their support has made a significant difference in my learning journey."

By prioritizing emotional well-being and cultural responsiveness, this program has fostered a thriving environment that empowers students with confidence and a platform for self-expression. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and the positive impact they'll have on their communities.