Marion Girl Scout Makes Musical Instruments Accessible to All Kids
Brynlie Peery from Marion, Iowa, has achieved the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, for collaborating with the Hiawatha Public Library to make musical instruments accessible to all kids, regardless of their ability to pay for the instruments or lessons.
“12.5% of the population of Hiawatha is considered to be in the poverty group. This means that not many people have extra money to spend on an instrument or musical workbook for their young children to help with their growth and development,” explains Peery. “Learning an instrument at an early age not only creates crucial skills that benefit the kids in an academic environment but also improves the children's mental and physical health.”
In an effort to support children’s development and learning, Peery created 14 unique kits with instruments and activities for children as young as one through the teen years. The kits for younger children include a musical instrument and a storybook for the parents to read. The music kits for older kids and teens will include a musical instrument and a matching instruction book.
The music kits also feature instruments from around the world, coming from Egypt, Chili, South Africa, China, and England! Peery shares: “Not only will kids be able to make music, but they'll learn all about a new instrument from another country, expanding their horizons. I also included two bilingual kits so everyone can participate in this program. Music for everyone!”
The kits went into circulation in November and have been popular! Peery said that the kids were on the edge of their seats during her presentation at the unveiling.
“The second Alicia, the librarian, gave the ‘go ahead,’ they ran towards them. They all started playing with different sets, smiling and laughing. They asked questions about what each instrument did and were curious to explore what was set out before them. The parents were also eager to learn more about the kits and how they could be checked out.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
Brynlie Peery will graduate from Linn-Mar High School in the spring.
