Much has been made about our need for scientists, engineers, mathematicians, financiers, and economists to continue moving this great country along its great path.
And I agree with that.
But part of a well-rounded and developed education has to include the arts – and in this case, music – in the curriculum.
Last night I had the privilege to attend a concert performed by nearly 180 children who attend Chesapeake Public Schools. The concert demonstrated just how quickly students learn skills such as teamwork, discipline, communication, and creativity.
The concert was split into two performances: one by the approximately one-hundred twenty 5th Graders of Butts Road Intermediate School; and the other by the over sixty 7th Graders of Hickory Middle School.
Under the instruction and direction of Mrs. K. Banks and Mrs. Nancy Monaghan, it was clear the students were not only enjoying themselves, but developing the skills necessary to be future leaders and contributors within our community.
Performing in front of a near-capacity audience of at least 500 parents, friends, and family at Hickory Middle, the self-esteem for the 5th graders soared as they showed just how far they’ve come from first picking up the instrument this fall, to now being able to play a portion of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Then, the 7th graders, nearly flawlessly performed the theme to “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Pink Panther”…a performance that left many 5th grade parents saying, “My child will be able to do that!”
As an observer, it was incredible to see what these students have been able to accomplish in just a couple short years, but as Monaghan said, this is the norm.
“These kids are nothing special,” quipped Monaghan, giving the kids some good-natured kidding before starting the concert.
All across the commonwealth, there are debates within every community as to whether maintaining funding within the school system for arts-based education is in the larger “best interest” for the community.
And research backs-up that it is:
- SAT scores go up
- The brain develops more, improving communication and language skills
- The exact skills for workforce development, as recommended by the Department of Labor – teamwork, communication, self-esteem, creative thinking, and invention – are taught
- Vigilance, forethought, and the associated physical response are necessary when playing an instrument
But research aside, for one night, it was clear to hundreds of parents, friends, and family that music education is giving their children skills for a lifetime – skills that many will use in science, engineering, finance, and economics. Let’s hope that it also remains clear to our legislators, school boards, supervisors, and council members.