You are visiting http://geocities.datacellar.net/SoHo/Workshop/2096

To see an archive of the articles on this site, click here.

Schools need music

Published in May of 1997

By Tim Wood

An all-too sparse crowd was at Central High School Thursday night to hear the CHS bands perform. The students performed difficult music extremely well. Those who did attend heard great music played by talented students.

Two of those students were showcased as soloists. They are on their way to Vanderbilt University as music majors.

Something that should intrigue music lovers of Columbia is the question of how there can be such a good high school band program when music education is not a standard part of the elementary school curriculum.

Part of the answer is the fact that Central has two talented directors who expect excellence. Band students and their parents also invest heavily in private instruction.

But I'm concerned by the fact that music is not standard in the curriculum of Maury County elementary schools.

That isn't to say it is non-existent. Some schools have it - some schools don't. Some programs take place outside of the school day and are privately-funded.

Why should we have music in the elementary schools? Music affects everyone. Even if you can't carry a tune in the proverbial bucket, you hear music, even if it's forced upon you in the form of the proverbial "elevator music."

A substantial number of people attend church, and most churches have music in their services. Music is a gift from God. Mankind hasn't always used this gift in the best possible way. But the good uses of music far outweigh the abuses.

Singing is healthy. There's a certain release of tension associated with blowing large amounts of air out of your mouth, even if the resulting sound is not perfectly on pitch.

Music is rewarding. Ask those Central High School students if their state marching band championships are rewarding. They have earned fond memories which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Music teaches many of the same lessons found in sports and other activities. The prime lesson is that hard work is rewarded.

Another benefit of music classes is that it can be a pleasant break in the day of a student. It's fun. It's something that students can look forward to.

There are many students in our schools who have musical talent. Elementary school music programs can identify that talent and encourage students to develop it. If we wait until the higher grades to have music classes, some students may be missed.

Until I came to Tennessee, every school system I had been associated with had elementary music as a standard part of the curriculum. Tennessee students are missing out on a special part of education.

Fortunately, Maury County School Director Jack Rose supports having music and art classes as part of the elementary school curriculum. He has plans to begin offering such classes in the near future. Initially, the availability of classes may be limited, but the opportunity will be there.

If you've ever been involved with a church, you may recall that some of the most enjoyable times have been the performances of children's choirs. The sound of children singing is wonderful.