Staff photo by Clay Schuldt From left, Pete Neigebauer, Linda Neigebauer, Superintendent Jeff Bertrang, WLC Principal Dawn Brown, Carla Berg and Betty Uehling cut the ribbon for the Music on the Playground at Washington Learning Center.

NEW ULM — The Washington Learning Center (WLC) hosted a special ribbon-cutting Wednesday for the school’s new “Music on the Playground” features.

New outdoor musical instruments were added to the WLC outdoor learning space. These instruments were made possible by a grant from the ISD 88 Foundation.

Early Childhood and Family Education Director Betty Uehling said the decision to add instruments to the learning space came after conversations with Carla Berg, a member of the outdoor learning committee. The discussion was about what was needed in the space. Berg said music was the need.

The outdoor learning space had some musical features created by staff, but no professionally created instruments. The grant from ISD 88 made it possible to purchase and install these instruments at the start of the year.

The response from students is positive. Uehling said the kids love it.

The instruments are now available for playtime and class time.

WLC principal Dawn Brown said the instruments are a great benefit to the community. The addition will allow students to experiment with sound, speed, coordination and rhythm.

Pete and Linda Neigebauer participated in the ribbon-cutting as well. The husband and wife team was instrumental in providing funding for the instruments.

The Neigebauer family is active in music. Linda said their daughters are involved in music. The oldest daughter was in band and the younger two were in the choir.

The drums, glockenspiel and chimes will be a source of beautiful music at WLC thanks to this donation.