Inside Jefferson Elementary in the small town of Jefferson, Oregon, a classroom transformation is hitting all the right notes.
Thanks to a SELCO Classroom Makeover grant, the school’s longtime music teacher, Kevin Lake, now has the tools to turn his vision for an inclusive, engaging music space into reality.
The school, home to roughly 300 K-5 students, is the only elementary school in this tight-knit community of just over 3,000 residents. Many of its students come from low-income households or are English-language learners, but inside the music room, every child shares a common language: music.
A classroom that brings music to life
For more than two decades, Lake has worked to give his students more than just a class period of singing or rhythm exercises—he’s built a place where music becomes a bridge between backgrounds, languages, and learning styles.
“Students benefit greatly from our already strong elementary music program since they are given access and exposure to experiences not available elsewhere,” he said.
When SELCO announced its Classroom Makeover grant, Lake saw an opportunity to remove long-standing barriers in his classroom. The old setup—chairs that were too big for younger students, limited instruments, and little flexibility for group work—often meant more time rearranging than teaching.
His proposal was simple but powerful: to create a flexible music environment that allows every student, regardless of age or skill level, to fully participate in learning and performing.
A new setup, a new sound
With nearly $12,000 in funding, Jefferson Elementary’s music room has been completely reimagined. The space now features FLIPFORMS—colorful, modular risers that double as seats and performance platforms. These risers match the school’s color-based group system, giving each student team its own space to play, move, and create together.
The flexibility of the new setup has already made a difference. Younger students can now move seats safely and easily during activities, and Lake no longer has to realign the room between classes. The FLIPFORMS also roll out of the way for active lessons or can be taken to the cafeteria stage, gym, or even outdoors for performances—bringing music beyond the classroom walls.
New Metallophones, ancient percussion instruments made of metal bars, add another layer of sound to the program. Each of the four student groups now has its own instrument and stand, ensuring that every child gets a chance to participate. Combined with the school’s existing xylophones and bells, the new instruments have opened up opportunities to explore world music and different tones and textures.
To round out the makeover, the classroom also received Amazon tablets and a charging cart, which will allow students to access digital music tools and interactive learning apps. Ukulele racks, stools, and a rug decorated with music symbols now add comfort, color, and inspiration to the space.
The power of creativity and community
Jefferson’s music program also offers something unique: a combined music and physical education class known as Physical Harmony. Developed by Lake and his colleagues Doug Naugle and Shawn Cooke, the class blends rhythm, movement, and exercise that keeps students active and engaged. The new flexible furniture and risers make these sessions easier to set up and more fun for students.
“It’s not just about playing instruments—it’s about connecting through sound, movement, and creativity,” Lake said.
SELCO’s support for educators
The Classroom Makeover program is about empowering educators like Lake who see learning not as a routine, but as a chance to spark curiosity and belonging. Jefferson Elementary was one of three inaugural recipients of a Classroom Makeover in 2024, alongside schools in Bend and Eugene.
Through this initiative, SELCO aims to help teachers create spaces that are modern, adaptable, and built around their students’ needs. These projects are more than classroom upgrades—they’re investments in the people shaping Oregon’s future.
Moving forward
With its refreshed setup, Jefferson Elementary’s music room is ready to serve students for years to come. The new instruments, furniture, and technology ensure that every student—from the youngest kindergartener to the most confident fifth-grader—has the chance to create, perform, and find joy in music.
For Jefferson students, this makeover means more than new equipment. It means their classroom has become a stage—one where every child has a seat, every voice has value, and every note is part of something bigger.
Published April 14, 2025
