Robust arts programs are a great benefit to school culture. As a band parent, I’ve been an active supporter of my oldest daughter’s band program and learned recently that some Atlanta Public Schools chose to make reductions in their elementary school band and orchestra programs due to budget concerns. While I realize that those types of decisions are difficult to make, it’s still disheartening.
The opportunity to participate in a music program at an early age brings many benefits. According to Robert Jeffrey, band director at Jean Childs Young Middle School, who began playing clarinet in fourth grade, “It’s like foreign language, the earlier you start the better you are able to progress.”
That progression includes an increased chance for students to excel in band competitions and auditions.
Band students study craft and music theory and grow in a variety of areas, including literacy, and math, as well as social skills and teamwork.
When my oldest daughter attended West Manor Elementary School, the band students, mostly beginners, sometimes played at school functions. They received hearty applause from parents, despite a few squeaks and honks during their musical selections. While that might bother a few parents’ ears, music teachers attribute those squeaks and honks to students’ continuing physical development.
On one occasion, members of the Young Middle School band had been invited to perform at one of the West Manor assemblies. I was expecting a few more squeaks and honks but was amazed when the band students started playing a jazz standard. They didn’t just sound good for a middle school band, their musical abilities rivaled older, more seasoned student musicians.
After the performance, I learned that the band had won many awards and competitions over the years, including playing in the Atlanta Jazz Festival. That won my heart as well as my attention and when the time came for my child to attend middle school, participating in the band program was a given.
Robert Jeffrey’s wife, Chenika Jeffrey, has taught strings to metro area elementary school students for over 18 years. She began playing violin in third grade and says that a number of popular Atlanta entertainers and music teachers began playing instruments in elementary school. “It’s like a rite of passage,” she said.
And while musicians, of course, are staunch supporters of school-based music programs, parents are the best advocates to encourage schools to keep these programs. I’ve seen my daughter and her band classmates increase in confidence and skill due to their participation. I hope that new solutions will be put in place to continue traditional music programs. Exposure to music brings balance and makes for well-rounded individuals.
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