Band Directors Association
Advocate for Music in your School!
Parents and Students are the best voices for change in schools!
Read through the information here and at the links posted to become more informed about how music education is beneficial to our students.
Then be an advocate for your school and school district by writing and speaking to administrators, superintendents and board members about the importance of music education.
Quick Facts
- Music and the Arts are CURRICULAR classes. There are State and National Standards in the Arts, just like there are in English, Math, and other classes that are considered part of the “Core Curriculum”. The arts should be treated as “Core” subjects as well, even though they are not measured by test scores.
- Music should be taught by credentialed music teachers who can teach the subject to the State and National Music Standards. Very few classroom teachers (even if they have a little bit of experience in music) will do this – they are already overloaded, and do not have the training to teach to the standards. Most of the folks who are making these decisions are probably unaware of the fact that there are standards to begin with, and are certainly unaware of the skills being taught at this level.
- The early elementary years are crucial to developing an interest and competence in Music. Students who play instruments and sing begin the foundation of their musical abilities at an early age.
- Many students attend school to participate in Music. Others go on to major in music in college…others find careers in Music and other areas of the Arts. Music is a real career path for many students – to cut the legs off of the program by not offering Grades 1-3 Music will definitely discourage students from continuing on with music in the future.
- There are dozens of studies that have concluded that “Students who participate in Band & Choir perform better on standardized tests.” It is not a coincidence – there are direct ties to logical and cognitive skills that are learned through music and relate to other areas of the curriculum.
- A cut to the primary grades of music instruction sets a horrible precedent that Music is expendable and “extra”. What’s next? Is our district going to decide that it is not necessary to offer ANY music instruction at the Elementary level? Does Middle School Music follow? No Music courses on a district-wide level? As unrealistic as this seems, it is definitely possible if they are willing to make cuts at all.
Advocacy Links
http://www.artsusa.org/get_involved/advocacy/advocacy_004.asp
- articles on the benefits of music education
http://www.nammfoundation.org/music-research
- more articles on how music affects the brain, benefits of music for young children
http://www.schoolmusicmatters.com/resources/links.php
- MANY links to articles and web sites with statistics and information about arts advocacy!