Elementary Music Programs
Lisa had asked this question at Open Thread Friday and I thought I'd put it out there for any ideas/comments.
What sort of support exists at elementaries for the instrumental music program?
At our school the new enrollment numbers have resulted in every room being turned into a classroom. We do still have a dedicated art room and gym, but they are in use all day long. Band/orchestra has been moved to the cafeteria. But MAP testing and kindergarten tours need the cafeteria, too. Except no one involved in the rescheduling of the rooms remembered that band existed, no one told the band instructor of the change. Luckily a parent figured out that this would take some juggling and got the custodian involved so the kids would have chairs and music stands out in the afterschool program's portable which was the only remaining option (I don't count the bathrooms or playground). We only have the band/orchestra instructor for about 2 hours once a week. That time is precious, yet it always seems to be an afterthought for the school.
Is this the usual run of things at other schools?
What sort of support exists at elementaries for the instrumental music program?
At our school the new enrollment numbers have resulted in every room being turned into a classroom. We do still have a dedicated art room and gym, but they are in use all day long. Band/orchestra has been moved to the cafeteria. But MAP testing and kindergarten tours need the cafeteria, too. Except no one involved in the rescheduling of the rooms remembered that band existed, no one told the band instructor of the change. Luckily a parent figured out that this would take some juggling and got the custodian involved so the kids would have chairs and music stands out in the afterschool program's portable which was the only remaining option (I don't count the bathrooms or playground). We only have the band/orchestra instructor for about 2 hours once a week. That time is precious, yet it always seems to be an afterthought for the school.
Is this the usual run of things at other schools?
Comments
My daughter currently gets 35% of state mandated PE time each week. Next year, likely less. And this is a top school, with lots of parent support. Only so many classrooms can rotate through the rooms though...
In my ideal school everyone will have music at the same time so no one misses anything. Kids will be able to join band, orchestra or choir and simply go to the right classroom. Oh, and every one of them gets a laptop and a pony :)
As to why not everyone participates, I have seen a District supplied Music teacher show up one day in October with no warning to parents and only give permission slips to the kids who volunteer to take them. I suppose it's easier for them to teach ten kids than fifty. The teachers might not make a fuss because they want the extra time with some of those kids to cover basics. (It was interesting to me to see 4th grade music enrollment at our school soar when a string player took over the classroom!)
Then of course there is the issue of kids who sign up but never practice and hate it when they don't improve so drop out.
I would love to hear from a District provided music teacher on this subject. We seem to have a great one now and it makes a huge difference.
Side note: My kid attended the summer music program at Eckstein one year and advanced more in those few weeks than in the whole school year. Not sure if it's still offered but it was pretty cheap and really effective about six years ago.
Helen Schinske
The volunteer not only helps during class, but also notices things that otherwise slide by. Like that we badly needed to fundraise for new music stands since the old rickety ones fell over several times during each class period. The kids all knew this, but it took a parent seeing it to spur some action.
We get the music teacher for so little time that every moment is precious. It isn't that easy to find a volunteer willing to come every week for a couple of hours, but it has made a difference. I think we will have fewer of the beginners drop out this year.