| I have two musical children...one vocal and one instrumetal. Our instrumental staff is so supportive...my vocal d recieved more support from the instrumental staff than the chorus and she is attending a conservatory for mt/opera!!!
I count my blessings after reading some of these posts. Our district is so supportive to the music and arts programs-almost to a fault if you ask some people! The morning anouncements include the musicians accomplishments as well as the academic and sports! We have people come to football games simply to see the band perform!! The staff is not only supportive to those who are musically gifted, but also to those who just like to play. If you are on the performance route to college, they will push you a little more, expect more from you. But, they are also there to pick up the pieces of your broken heart after a bad audition, and celebrate with you for all of your accomplishments.
Music is part of our school's scheduling. Music classes are generally in the afternoon, allowing the kids to take the advanced/ap courses which are offered in the morning. (Yes, the majority of these music kids are in the honors/ap classes just like the studies show!) We have two orchestras, (strings for the underclassmen, full orchestra for upper), marching band (200 kids), 2 concert bands, 3 jazz bands, chamber orchestra, many quartets, two chorus, select chorus, barbershop and sweet ads. That is not mentioning all of the music theory courses and courses like guitar. It is a public school system, 1400 students in the high school and most of them are involved in music in one form or another. We have other school districts come to observe and see how it is so successful, how we do it. I credit our success to the staff. They believe in the students, are proud of them which spreads the belief and the pride through to the kids, parents and the community! I also know this is not the only district to be so well rounded with arts and academics...it can be done! |