June 23, 2011
Whether as an end-of-year vacation or a strict performance tour, many music programs take their students on adventures far beyond their school auditorium walls. But where, exactly, is the best place to go? At SBO headquarters, we had some ideas about where the top destinations are for instrumental school music groups, but you, the SBO readers, are the experts, not us, so we recently put the question out to you. We have asked, you have answered, and the votes have been tallied.
Rosemount High School, located in suburban Minneapolis, has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence. Located in one of the larger school districts in the state of Minnesota, which includes four high schools with about 2,000 students in each, Rosemount was at one point the only school in the area. As the town and district grew, it was split into two high schools of approximately even size. Years later, Rosemount was split again, and then again, until there were four high schools, all spawned by the one original institution. The last split, which occurred in 1997, had a particularly traumatic effect on the music department, as many of the resources and band personnel were moved to the new school, while Rosemount High School was left to rebuild.
Those of you with fully functioning memory might recall that we recently discussed an overview of Dr. John Medina’s best-selling book: Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Home, Work, and School [SBO May, 2011]. We examined each of Medina’s 12 “Rules” and briefly looked at how they might apply to the school ensemble rehearsal. Now it’s time to look more closely at how these findings can contribute to a better instructional experience for our students!
Small ensembles are a necessary part of any vibrant, successful music program. These groups provide students with unique opportunities to perform music not suited for larger groups, as well as the chance for students to perform as soloists, without the potential of being “buried” in a larger ensemble. Smaller, specialized groups can also be a real confidence builder for students. This review is divided into three parts: Part I reviews transcriptions of works by the master composers, Part II takes a look at ensembles that are written in a contemporary styles, and Part III reviews some of the standard literature for every band program.
In response to reading newspaper coverage of his supposed demise, Mark Twain famously stated, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” I was reminded of this statement after seeing recent newspaper reports and arts leaders’ comments touting the demise of arts education in our schools and recommendations that we significantly alter music and arts education as a result of “decline.”
Tagged : arts education, budget, decline, demise, downward trend, fear, fetal position, fever pitch, filling the void, glee, house committee, kindergarten teacher, mark twain, music programs, myth, news headlines, newspaper reports, postings, public education, thumb
