Music teachers record album for their students as an inspiration for them to possess character
By SARAH REYNOLDS
The chances are pretty good this year that students who attend Union Pleasant Elementary School are going to be asking for a new CD for Christmas.
But this album doesn’t contain lyrics sung by Britney Spears, Toby Keith or AC/DC.
The new CD actually features many of the children’s favorite teachers.
The Character Council of Hamburg and the Hamburg Central School Distict are both proud to present the new CD, an effort that was written and performed by local teachers who work in the school on Union Street in the Village of Hamburg.
The talented cast includes Damon Beiter, who teaches music to students in third, fourth and fifth grade; Amy Travis, who teaches Music for kindergarten through second grade students; and Katy Webster, who teaches fourth grade students.
“They talked about an idea of doing a CD the kids could buy,” said Blair Webster, Katy Webster’s husband and a member of the board of directors for the Character Council of Hamburg.
The CD is entitled “Words to Grow By” and includes eight catchy tracks that feature tunes and lyrics that emphasize character traits like respect, compassion, wisdom and self-control.
“The songs came about as a result of the Town of Hamburg’s character initiative,” said Webster.
The project came together after Beiter wrote some songs for a character-education based fourth grade play at UPES.
They then added in Katy Webster’s original songs, which she had written with the focus of character-based themes in mind.
Katy Webster then asked Beiter to accompany her at a concert she performed at at Allegany State Park.
They later discussed with Travis about making the CD as something the trio thought could be attractive for the kids in the school and represent something that they would enjoy listening to.
The group then got permission from the district to record the character education based CD last summer.
In addition to being a teacher, Katy Webster is also an accomplished vocalist, having performed with the San Antonio Opera Company.
The CD’s are $10 each, with checks being able to be made out to the Character Council of Hamburg.
Information on obtaining the CD can also be found at Union Pleasant Elementary or by visiting the Character Council of Hamburg’s Web site at: www.charactercouncilhamburg.org.
You can also purchase the CD through Blair Webster by sending him an e-mail at: blairweb@roadrunner.com
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