“Students of all ages – that includes adults – generally find that music helps them focus more clearly on the task at hand and puts them in a better mood for learning.” ~ Chris Brewer, founder of LifeSounds Educational Services, quoted in “Boost Memory and Learning with Music,” pbs.org, Cheri Lucas.
Research indicates the brain of a musician, even a young one, works differently than that of a nonmusician. “There’s some good neuroscience research that children involved in music have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training. When you’re a musician and you’re playing an instrument, you have to be using more of your brain.” ~ Dr. Eric Rasmussen, chair of the Early Childhood Music Department at the Peabody Preparatory of The John Hopkins University, quoted in “The Benefits of Music Education,” pbs.org, Laura Lewis Brown.
Brian Caldwell, Dan Healton and Keith Whitford join us on this edition of the Director Spotlight. This trio of directors proudly serves the Western Community School community in Russiaville, Indiana. We hope you enjoy the spotlight interview with Brian, Dan and Keith. New Video Feature You can now skip ahead to the content you’d like to see by using the chapters feature in the video player. There are 2 ways to do this. Note: this feature is currently not available on mobile devices. 1. Use the white “dots” in the video timeline. Hover over the dot to see the topic and a screen shot. Simply click on the dot of the chapter that you’d like to view. Give the video player just a moment to skip ahead and it should start playing on it’s own. 2. Select a chapter by clicking on the chapter icon at the bottom right of the video player. A list of the chapters will pop up and you’ll be able to select the topic you wish to view.
The cognitive structures developed through music instruction “exposed and illuminated more general organizing structures relevant for multiple disciplines. ~ Portowitz,P., Lichtenstein, O., Egorova, L., & Brand, E. (2009). Underlying mechanisms linking music education and cognitive modifiability. Research Studies in Music Education, 31, 107–29
An analysis of data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 demonstrated a significant correlation between participation in school music groups and achievement in math and English. ~ Broh, B. A. (2002). Linking extracurricular programming to academic achievement: Who benefits and why? Sociology of Education, 75(1), 69-95
Stephanie O’Brian, Band Director at Barr-Reeve schools offers a tip for young directors in finding comfort, acceptance and happiness in your career. She also discusses her “Festival of Bands” project, as well as the role of her band in a small school community and finally, her personal approach to the recruiting process. Finding Comfort Role In Community Festival of Bands Recruiting
“A broad education in the arts helps give children a better understanding of their world…We need students who are culturally literate as well as math and science literate.” ~ Paul Ostergard, Vice President, Citicorp
A Columbia University study revealed that students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident and better able to express their ideas. ~ Burton, J., Horowitz, R., Abeles, H. Champions of Change, Arts Education Partnership, 1999
Today’s Spotlight is on Stephanie O’Brian at Barr-Reeve Schools. Stephanie teaches grades 5-12 band and general music! Her energetic approach to teaching in a small school setting is quite remarkable. We hope you enjoy this edition of the Director Spotlight!
Children from “arts-rich” public schools score higher on expression, risk-taking, creativity-imagination, cooperative learning, and academic self-concept than children in “arts-poor” systems. ~ “Learning In and Through the Arts: The Question of Transfer,” Judith M. Burton, Robert Horowitz, and Hal Abeles, Studies in Art Education, 2000, 41(3): 228-257
“An elementary school that treats the arts as the province of a few gifted children, or views them only as recreation and entertainment, is a school that needs an infusion of soul. That arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic.” ~ William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education
Rick Wagoner offers up his recruiting process, helping kids believe in themselves and using private teachers in the school day. Please enjoy these tips from our latest Director Spotlight with Rick Wagoner of Avon Intermediate School West. Recruiting Building Up Kids Private Teachers Working With Administrators
A study examined the influence of music education on nonmusical abilities, the effects of music lessons on academic performance, and cognitive abilities. The study revealed that students who participated in music lessons showed statistically higher intelligence quotients. ~ Glenn Schellenberg, Music Lessons Enhance IQ, Psychological Science, Vol. 15, No. 8, 2004
“GE hires a lot of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add up a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.” ~ Clifford V. Smith, President of the General Electric Foundation
Rick Wagoner from Avon Intermediate School joins us on the Director Spotlight. Rick is the band director and general music teacher at Avon Intermedite School West. We hope you enjoy the spotlight interview with Rick.
The vast majority —96 percent— of the school principals interviewed in a recent study agree that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school. Further, 89 percent of principals feel that a high-quality music education program contributes to their school achieving higher graduation rates. ~ Harris Interactive Poll, 2006
“I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training – training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.” ~ Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education
“To be the next great inventor of something we haven’t dreamed of yet, you need to have creative skills. Music really fosters those creative skills.” ~ Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon
“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” ~ Gerald Ford, Former President of the United States
The Carmel HS team offers a few great tips for all educators – no matter experience level. In this video clip they cover tips on high school recruiting, communicating within the school community, always moving forward – never giving in to frustration, and the concept that everything can be excellent! Communicate Well Don’t Give Up Everything Can Be Excellent Recruiting
