Post by momto4 on May 2, 2011 9:10:13 GMT -5
Cutting Somonauk music programs would be a mistake
beaconnews.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/5095956-474/cutting-somonauk-music-programs-would-be-a-mistake.html
Cut to Somonauk music programs a mistake
On April 11, the board members of Somonauk schools resolved to RIF both music educators of choir and elementary studies due to our fiscal crisis. As a music-oriented sophomore at Somonauk, their decision to potentially cut all music programs concerns me.
Band and chorus, vital parts of any school’s curriculum, give students the freedom of creative expression.
These programs build self-confidence, promote teamwork and stress the need for practice, all of which are necessary skills in the modern workforce.
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be appraised before core classes such as band and chorus. While sports have their merits, their characteristics of discipline, cooperation and stress relief can similarly be found in music classes.
Without band or chorus, the more than 160 combined middle school and high school music-enrolled students would have no place to learn, practice or perform, since our school is the cultural center of Somonauk.
Unlike nonschool affiliated clubs, youth music programs within Somonauk’s community do not exist.
By the loss of music, students are not only stripped of these programs, but also deprived of the opportunities available to them through music education. For example, IHSA offers a Solo and Ensemble contest to middle school and high school students, a competition where students perform a practiced solo, duet, trio or ensemble in front of a judge and receive a rank based on their performance.
These challenges stimulate student growth and prepare their nerves for other stressful events in life, such as job interviews. But without the presence of music programs, these chances are snatched away from students.
With a potential lack of music in Somonauk’s curriculum, their motto of “A Community That Works Together to Help Each Child Reach His/Her Potential” would become hypocritical, as their definition of “potential” would prevent musicians from reaching their goals.
Mora Novey
Sheridan
beaconnews.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/5095956-474/cutting-somonauk-music-programs-would-be-a-mistake.html
Cut to Somonauk music programs a mistake
On April 11, the board members of Somonauk schools resolved to RIF both music educators of choir and elementary studies due to our fiscal crisis. As a music-oriented sophomore at Somonauk, their decision to potentially cut all music programs concerns me.
Band and chorus, vital parts of any school’s curriculum, give students the freedom of creative expression.
These programs build self-confidence, promote teamwork and stress the need for practice, all of which are necessary skills in the modern workforce.
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be appraised before core classes such as band and chorus. While sports have their merits, their characteristics of discipline, cooperation and stress relief can similarly be found in music classes.
Without band or chorus, the more than 160 combined middle school and high school music-enrolled students would have no place to learn, practice or perform, since our school is the cultural center of Somonauk.
Unlike nonschool affiliated clubs, youth music programs within Somonauk’s community do not exist.
By the loss of music, students are not only stripped of these programs, but also deprived of the opportunities available to them through music education. For example, IHSA offers a Solo and Ensemble contest to middle school and high school students, a competition where students perform a practiced solo, duet, trio or ensemble in front of a judge and receive a rank based on their performance.
These challenges stimulate student growth and prepare their nerves for other stressful events in life, such as job interviews. But without the presence of music programs, these chances are snatched away from students.
With a potential lack of music in Somonauk’s curriculum, their motto of “A Community That Works Together to Help Each Child Reach His/Her Potential” would become hypocritical, as their definition of “potential” would prevent musicians from reaching their goals.
Mora Novey
Sheridan