The Jean And Sue McLane
Community Arts Program of New Braunfels Welcomes You
Make a Difference Today
Jean and Sue McLane COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM OF NEW BRAUNFELS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Community Arts Program meets on Tuesdays after school September-May at St John’s. We offer primarily special students from nearby Carl Schurz Elementary professional-quality music lessons on their choice of keyboard and string instruments, as well as in art. Our 2-hour sessions include time for a snack, games and socializing. Students especially enjoy games and conversations with our adult sponsors. Our mission is to empower young people by helping develop their abilities of perception, memory, dexterity and social skills, as well as self-confidence. We aim to support the students’ education and growing maturity through the measured challenges of new music and art projects. We celebrate their achievements with a recital and art show at the end of the school year; families are invited of course.
Contact Information
St John’s members are encouraged to volunteer as sponsors to help with the Tuesday afternoon sessions or to provide snacks.
Contact Bill Norvell,
Cell 713-550-6836
e-mail: williamnorvell1943@gmail.com.
Support
Reinforcing our Commitment
Our mission is to empower elementary age special students to successfully develop their musical potential, to be persistent in the pursuit of their education and to strengthen their communities.
History
Where we started
In January of 2014 this program was started as an outreach ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church with 8 students. It has evolved into an independent non-profit program for special students serving 21 children.
Scientific studies have proven that the discipline of music lessons help and spark academic performance and social skills. Extra encouragement and praise help every child in the program.
"Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue."
Plato
Where have we been and where are we going?
What Wha
What we are doing NOW.
THIS SCHOOL YEAR WE:
(1) had our first off-campus activity. In coordination with the Mid-Texas Symphony and the Brauntex Theatre, we arranged for a talented violin student and her mother to attend a concert which featured a violin soloist.
(2) increased our enrollment from 8 to 11 students.
(3) added sessions in singing.
(4) are awarding new music instruments to our graduating class.
(5) loaning instruments to each student for use during the summer.
(6) extended our weekly sessions an additional 30 minutes.
(7) added 3 people to our Board to provide additional inspiration.
(8) began updating our website.
(9) increased instructor compensation.
(10 received a generous grant from the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club.
(11) were the topic of a front page Herald Zeitung article.
(12) are providing videos of each student’s performance at our May Recital.
(13) submitted 15 grant applications.
ost every site.
What We are Planning for the future.
FOR THE 2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR, WE:
(1) will have at least 25 students: a 100% increase.
(2) are adding 3 new instructors.
(3) adding lessons in two additional instruments: ukulele and the flute.
(4) opening enrollment to include 1st and 2nd grade students.
(5) preparing for programs at an additional location for students from surrounding elementary schools.
(6) attending off-campus visits to concerts, art exhibits and art schools for all children.
(7) attending off-campus visits to concerts, art exhibits and art schools for all children.
Contact
The Jean and Sue McLane
Community Arts Program of New Braunfels
P.O. Box 310792
New Braunfels, Tx 78131
(210) 286-3221
Sponsor a Student for $125.00
or Donate what you can.
We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit Corporation.
Make a donation
Sponsor a Student for $125.00 Or donate what you can.
We are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
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Benefits of "at risk" elementary school children attending weekly one-on-one instruction in art, musical instruments and singing.
🎨 Academic and Cognitive Gains
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Higher academic achievement — Longitudinal analyses show that children from low‑SES backgrounds who receive sustained arts engagement demonstrate stronger academic outcomes and narrower achievement gaps compared with peers who lack arts access.
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Improved attention and self‑regulation — Participation in arts activities such as singing, dancing, and crafts is associated with better attention control and improved numeracy skills in young children.
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Enhanced problem‑solving and creativity — Arts instruction strengthens divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to generate and refine ideas—skills that transfer to core subjects.
🎻 Social‑Emotional Development
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Greater empathy and prosocial behavior — Early arts engagement correlates with increased empathy, sharing, and cooperative behavior.
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Stronger mood regulation — Activities like singing and instrument practice help children develop emotional control and coping strategies.
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Sense of identity and self‑efficacy — One‑on‑one instruction gives children individualized attention, helping them build confidence, pride in mastery, and a positive sense of self—especially important for children facing instability or trauma.
🎼 Protective Factors for At‑Risk Youth
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Reduced exposure to negative influences — Structured arts programs provide safe, constructive environments that reduce idle time and offer alternatives to high‑risk surroundings.
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Supportive adult relationships — Weekly one‑on‑one lessons create consistent mentorship, which is a known protective factor for children experiencing adversity.
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Improved long‑term outcomes — Students with arts‑rich backgrounds show higher rates of college attendance, civic engagement, and workforce success compared with similarly at‑risk peers.
🎤 Mental Health and Well‑Being
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Stress relief and emotional expression — Arts participation gives children safe outlets for processing difficult emotions, particularly those exposed to trauma, violence, or family instability.
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Reduced loneliness and improved belonging — Arts education is increasingly recognized as central to addressing youth mental‑health challenges, especially for underserved students.
🧩 Why One‑on‑One Instruction Matters
While group arts programs are beneficial, individualized weekly instruction amplifies the impact by:
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Tailoring learning to each child’s pace and strengths
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Providing uninterrupted adult attention and mentorship
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Allowing deeper skill development, which reinforces confidence and persistence
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Creating a stable, predictable weekly routine—especially valuable for children experiencing chaos or inconsistency at home