In fall of 2021, Vernon Middle School 5-8 Vocal Director Kari Scherbring submitted a Marion Grants application to purchase a 12.9 inch iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard Folio for choir, show choir and the musical at the middle school. Although music students at Vernon would benefit from this significant upgrade replacing an 8 year old iPad, the school’s current budget was unable to fund this need.
We are excited that this project was funded! Kari Scherbring is able to use the new device to play accompaniment tracks for rehearsals and performances, create rehearsal tracks for students, create blocking charts and choreography videos for show choir and the musical, record auditions, take attendance and enter grades on PowerSchool, replace multiple choir binders with digital music, and use the iPad as a metronome.
There are currently 220 students in choir, 60 students in show choir, and 40 students in the musical for a total of 320 students involved in this programs at Vernon Middle School this year.
The Marion Foundation’s grant program provides teachers an opportunity to receive funding for projects that benefit students in the Marion Independent School District. Grants are made possible because of generous contributions the Foundation receives throughout the year from both businesses and individuals as well as a number of educational funds that are invested with the Foundation for long-term benefit.