An Open letter to the School boards of BC
The importance of Grade Seven Band in the music curriculum of the province of BC.
This letter has been written in response to all of the cuts to public school music education that have been occurring. Just this week, more cuts have been announced by other school districts. This has become an epidemic, spread by misguided school trustees who, unfortunately, are letting politics dictate educational choices.
An open letter to the school boards of BC
Why is band important and necessary in our schools?
The members of the BC association of Community Music Schools are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in Music Education. Our programs and our fellow community music programs and ensembles are an enhancement of but are not intended as a replacement of public-school music programs. It is the programs of the public schools that foster the curiosity of our young people and give them their first exposure to music, arts and culture.
- Skill Development: Grade 7 band programs provide students with the opportunity to develop important musical skills such as reading music, understanding rhythm, and playing an instrument. These skills can enhance cognitive abilities and improve overall academic performance.
- Social Interaction: Participating in a band fosters teamwork and collaboration as students work together to create harmonious music. This social interaction helps build communication skills and friendships that can enhance their school experience. Learning to play an instrument is developing a brand-new skill set. As students continue in band over the years, these skills are further developed, and the learning is cumulative. Elementary band programs are essential to building successful secondary band programs. The elementary school years are the prime time for students to begin playing instruments.
- Discipline and Responsibility: Being part of a band requires practice and dedication. Students learn the value of discipline and responsibility as they commit to regular practice sessions and strive for improvement, which can translate into other areas of their lives. School Band programs teach students how to learn, how to practice, how to take responsibility for themselves, and how to play as a team. This is not just about music but about general life skills as well.
- Cultural Appreciation: Exposure to various musical genres and pieces allows students to develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures and histories. This cultural awareness enriches their education and broadens their perspective on the world. The Grade 7 program is important as it allows students to explore music and performance skills and many students discover for the first time the joy of playing music, and importantly, the joy of performing in a collaborative setting with others. For many students band is a life changing experience, which results in a life time appreciation of the musical arts and in many cases lifelong friendships are built among fellow musicians.
- Confidence Building: Performing in front of peers and audiences can boost self-esteem and confidence. Grade 7 band provides a supportive environment for students to overcome stage fright and gain the courage to express themselves creatively. Again, as supported by a vast body of research, playing in a music ensemble offers children an experience they can’t get elsewhere. In band, students learn non-verbal communication, self-expression, development of fine motor skills, positive social interactions, and how to participate in the creation of something bigger than themselves. They learn resilience and patience, commitment and accountability, vulnerability and empathy.
- Creative Expression: Music offers an outlet for creativity and emotion. In a band setting, students can explore and express their artistic side, contributing to their overall emotional development and well-being.
- Foundation for Future Opportunities: Early involvement in band can spark a lifelong interest in music. It lays the groundwork for future opportunities in high school bands, community ensembles, and even professional music careers.
The roots of childhood music education in this province are the programs delivered by BC’s public schools. Without those programs thousands of young students would never be exposed to or discover the joy of making music.
REAn