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BGCNW Takes Drumming Lessons from Westchester Children's Museum

Westchester County, NY (June 2, 2011) – The Westchester Children's Museum (WCM) recently visited the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) in Mount Kisco as part of the non-profit's popular educational outreach program, Museum Without Walls. Fifth- and sixth-grade members of the BGCNW participated in two Global Drumming lessons, learning to play a variety of drums from Guinea and West Africa.BGCNW members spent an hour after school learning how to play the Dun Dun and the Djembe drums. Students also explored the culture behind the drums, discussing the important roles they play in ceremonies and everyday life. A traditional song and dance accompanied the drumming lesson.

WCM's Museum Without Walls program provides hands-on, educational programs that are fun and full of discovery. Many of the lessons focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Experiments range from unraveling the mysteries of DNA to exploring alternative energy sources by building model solar cars. Other programs, such as Global Drumming, explore the creative arts, cultural diversity and local histories.

Since its launch in March 2010, Museum Without Walls has conducted more than 150 programs, reaching nearly 3,000 students ages 3 to 18. Museum Without Walls programs are offered at a variety of sites throughout Westchester County, including community centers and schools. Lessons are delivered by experienced educators and supported by trained volunteers, many of whom are former or current scientists and classroom teachers. 

"As school budgets are cut and funding declines, it becomes increasingly important that out-of-school programs deliver impactful enrichment opportunities that nurture future scientists, engineers, artists and citizens," said Tracy Kay, executive director of the Westchester Children's Museum. "Even before the walls of the museum are built, the success of the Museum Without Walls demonstrates the relevance and the need for such educational opportunities." 

Museum Without Walls programs for children in need are supported by donations and grants from individuals, foundations, and corporations and are held at community centers including the Port Chester Carver Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Greenwich and Northern Westchester, and the White Plains YMCA & YWCA. Donors include the Beyer Family Foundation, Con Edison, Junior League of Greenwich, Junior League of Pelham, Junior League of Westchester on the Sound, LEGO Children's Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, and Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. 

The Westchester Children's Museum will host its annual Explore-a-thon event from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the Rye Town Park and Playland Boardwalk. The interactive event is designed to provide children and families with a recreational yet educational experience while also raising funds to build the region's first children's museum. The event includes such fun as balloon boats, rockets, color wheels, bubbles, art, and music. Participation cost is $75 per family. To register for Explore-a-thon, please call 914-241-5050 or sign up at www.discoverWCM.org. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester was established in 1939 as a place for "boys to get off the streets". It is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. 

Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester serves 2,500 youths, boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

About Westchester Children's Museum

The Westchester Children's Museum (WCM) will be a learning laboratory providing children, families, and school groups throughout Westchester County and the surrounding region the opportunity to nurture curiosity, enhance knowledge, and ignite imagination through hands-on exploration. The WCM is committed to broadening knowledge of the arts, the environment, multiculturalism, and the local and global communities in an educational and recreational atmosphere. For more information about WCM, please visit www.discoverWCM.org.

Press Contact: Kat McKee, Co-Communications, (914) 666-0066, kat@cocommunications.com.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069