The Fanfare Project

How do we learn to express gratitude? How can we foster in our students the ability to express gratitude in a deep and meaningful way?     As with so many things in life, music helps.

The Fanfare Project began as an attempt to use music to answer those questions. The program provides a process which engages students to think about gratitude and to express it to a person who has had an impact in their life or has a significant role in their life. Through three simple, short lessons, it teaches students history, writing and speaking skills, musical creativity, and social-emotional skills. It also offer the opportunity for a family engagement event that is very powerful —and very easy to put together.

By incorporating The Fanfare Project in your classroom curriculum, after school program, or out-of-school program, you are creating a space for students to slow down and reflect on people who have supported and guided them, and to make time to express that gratitude. Our own experience with the program is that is has never failed to deliver so much more impact and connection for students, teachers, staff, and families than we could have ever expected.

Lesson 1: Listening Example No. 2

Fanfare Guidon 90