– Jamie Coyne, Kindergarten teacher, Osborne Elementary (Quaker Valley School District)

"As an educator for ten years, I have very fond memories of some lessons that I thought truly reached out to my students. Upon taking the Gateway Arts in Education Institute, I now feel that the reason those particular lessons were so successful was due to aesthetic education. Those lessons reached the students in many ways through the use of songs, movement, open discussion, active involvement, and thought-provoking questions."

– Tom Belchick, 3rd grade teacher, Hance Elementary (Pine-Richland School District)

"I wanted to take a moment to thank [Renaissance City Winds] again for coming to West Hempfield Middle School on Wednesday, February 11th and performing a great concert. As the choral director and a general music teacher at the school, I was excited to discuss your presentation before and after the concert. Most of the students' questions were in regard to the bassoon and oboe. For most of them, it was the first time they have seen these instruments in person. Thank you and please come back again!"

– Nancy Flinner, choral director, West Hempfield Middle School (Hempfield Area School District)

"On behalf of all the teachers at Richland Elementary, I want to express our sincere gratitude for all you do to keep aesthetic education alive at our school.... [The summer institute] was a huge success and as usual, our newly trained team feels awakened and excited to bring their newfound awareness back to our students. I must tell you that the collegiality among our staff members has increased tremendously as more and more of us are trained."

– Deb Newcomer, 2nd grade teacher, Richland Elementary (Pine-Richland School District)

"Wow, what a tremendous treat you have given us when sending the River City Brass Quintet to our school on March 14th. The students and teachers are still talking about how excellent an assembly it was. Some parents and the Sweet Sixties group (the sponsoring church's seniors group) was also there and they were all thrilled by the excellent performance by the musicians."

– Stephen R. Getchell, administrator, South Hills Christian School

"As the audience departed from the spectacular and lively performance, students and staff stated, 'what a wonderful show, excellent show, wow can those guys play, how exciting, and thanks for an up-lifting experience.' The quintet played so well and really treated us to a first-class stay on the edge of our seats concert. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students and staff.... Our students were able to relate various works from the performing arts to the cultural context within which they were created. Additionally, students gained an understanding of the art form. This unique experience left us all with a deeper appreciation for music and for the talented artists who demonstrated their craft."

– Dr. Valerie Harris, principal, Gladstone Middle School (Pittsburgh Public Schools)