Part 3 of 20: 2026–27 Bridge Bedford Teacher Grant Series
What if a simple exercise ball could become an instrument, a classroom could become a drumline, and music could bring students of all abilities together? At Harris Middle School, that's exactly the beat they're getting ready to make!
Thanks to a $1,800 Bridge Bedford teacher grant, Harris Middle School students will have the opportunity to experience DrumsAlive!, an exciting, movement-based music program that combines rhythm and physical activity while making music education accessible to students of all abilities.
The grant will provide the equipment and curriculum needed to introduce DrumsAlive! across three classrooms at Harris Middle School, connecting music, physical education and the Comprehensive Development Classroom (CDC). The project is expected to positively impact more than 900 students.
The vision behind the project belongs to Harris Middle School Music Teacher Chase King, who applied for the Bridge Bedford grant to bring this exciting opportunity to students. His goal is simple: make music education something everyone can enjoy.
"One of the ultimate goals is to allow students, often not included in mainstream learning due to various limitations, an enjoyable and equitable way to learn alongside their peers," King stated. "And to have an absolute BLAST making music together!"
The DrumsAlive! program will turn exercise balls into drums, using rhythm and coordinated movement to create an energetic, hands-on musical experience. Equipment will include sturdy exercise balls, bucket drum bases, drumsticks, Boomwhackers, shakers and colorful scarves and ribbons. With enough equipment for an entire class to participate simultaneously, Harris Middle School students can learn, move and make music together.
But the benefits go far beyond making a great beat, King explained. At Harris Middle School, the project will strengthen connections between physical and musical education while helping students develop coordination, musical skills, creativity and self-regulation. The structured movement provides a positive outlet for physical energy, helping students channel their enthusiasm into focused, purposeful activity.
King added that there are academic connections, too.
“Research has linked the ability to maintain a steady beat with the development of reading skills, making rhythm an engaging way to reinforce learning that reaches far beyond the music setting. And just as importantly, DrumsAlive! will help students build friendships and strengthen relationships with classmates they might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with.”
King says the program's portable equipment also creates possibilities for expanding the experience beyond the initial Harris Middle School classrooms, potentially reaching elementary and high school students. And when Harris students are ready to show off their new skills, an end-of-semester group performance will give them an opportunity to celebrate what they've learned together.
Different abilities. One shared rhythm. Endless possibilities!
This is part 3 of 20 stories celebrating the 2026–27 Bridge Bedford Teacher Grants, which will support 20 projects across 10 Bedford County Schools. A total of $25,278 was awarded to BCS educators through funds raised at last year's CC5K.
Every grant represents an investment in creative teaching, meaningful learning, and opportunities that reach beyond the classroom. Best of all, students are the ultimate beneficiaries!
Stay tuned as we spotlight the educators, ideas and student opportunities made possible by the Connected Community 5K and Bridge Bedford.
