In the Arts 21
Ponte Vedra Recorder · November 5, 2015
Music
Continued from 20
life. After high school, she earned her
both her bachelor’s and master’s degree
in music therapy at FSU and soon began working as a teacher.
Even storytime takes on a new form
in Sirak’s class -- as she reads a simple
book to the children, they use their own
instruments to bring the words to life.
The sounds of shaking, clicking and
knocking would not be welcomed in a
typical class, but Sirak recognizes that
this is how these children will learn to
listen and communicate.
Making music therapy a part of Ponte Vedra Palm Valley/Rawlings was no
simple process, however, even though
other schools have paved the way for
its development.
The Cultural Center first initiated a
music therapy program in 2006 with
Cunningham Creek Elementary. The
program proved to be successful and
convinced the former Cunningham
Creek principal, Jessica Richardson, to
bring the idea before the Cultural Center that another music therapy program
should be started in Ocean Palms Elementary, which is where she is currently principal.
From there, other St. John’s County
schools followed Ocean Palms Elementary’s lead; Valley Ridge Academy
and now Pal