Michael Stinman

Stinman’s innovative teaching idea, “Making Music Matter: OpporTUNEities of a Lifetime,” focuses on increasing the number of musical instruments available to children in kindergarten through fifth grade, impacting approximately 400 students and ultimately thousands throughout the school district in the coming years. Elementary music classes consist of a variety of experiences in which students learn the intricacies of music, including the science and history of it. Children will sing, speak, move and play instruments to engage their minds, bodies and souls. The Voya Unsung Heroes grant will allow Stinman to purchase new instruments to continue providing auditory, visual and kinesthetic experiences which his students may not otherwise have access to because of limited resources but can carry with them throughout their lives.