Band Hall Stereotypes

Music is often considered “the universal language.” Throughout, history it has symbolized love, brought people together, and has been the cornerstone of many lives. In the 1950s, a new form of music entered American mass culture that drastically changed the culture of the United States (U.S.): rock music. In the U.S., it began as Rock ‘n’ Roll, a originally “black” music genre that was then taken and promulgated by white Americans. Post WWII, many Americans—especially teenagers—struggled with the newfound societal conformity and normalcy, and rock provided them a form of retaliation. From its beginning, Rock united the younger generation of Americans, stirring up a sense of community amongst teenagers and troubling many adults by their actions—heightening

The high school band room is a place of incredible depth with deep explanations of everything inside. A band room is a place of peace and tranquility on the surface, but underneath, it creates a sense of protection as well as self-articulation and individual relevance. When living in the world of a high school student, these simple sensations are not as simple to find. The world in which a high schooler lives can be very chaotic and jumbled, but the band room provides a piece of sanity for the individuals that choose to use it to evade their usual chaos that follows them every day. The importance of a high school band room in a musician’s life cannot be emphasized enough. Every student involved in the musical curriculum finds sanity withheld

Living in a world surrounded by noises and sounds, one cannot deny that music lives all around them. Schools, street corners, sporting events, there is one thing you will always find: music. Music education is quickly becoming defunct in schools, as many try to decry its many benefits. A growing emphasis on the concrete subjects of math and science, whose benefits are more immediate, are pushing the creativity and imagination of music classes to the back of the budget. Music education is no longer described as stimulating and exciting, but rather unnecessary and distracting. But the benefits of having an education in music is undeniable. Simply being around music can have a positive impact on life. Music enables the human race to discover emotions that they have never uncovered before. The human mind is refreshed by music; “our imagination and memories are stimulated by the sounds, and summon feelings and memories associated with the musical sound” (Wingell 15). Without music, the world would be silent. Lifeless. No matter what language one speaks or what culture one is from, music is a universal language, connecting the hearts of people around the entire world. In schools throughout the nation, that connection is being severed because of budget cuts and lack of funding, but the benefits of music education are clear. The benefits of having an education in music are not only present in the classroom; a lasting impact is also left on the social and emotional growth of a person, though the gains may not be evinced immediately. Participating in musical education programs in schools can give students the opportunity to form lasting friendships and to gain skills that will last them their entire lives. Music education can be beneficial to students because it enhances students’ performance in the classroom, aids in improving student’s interest and engagement in school, and advances students’ social and emotional growth.

Despite the vast number of children who learn musical instruments, many people still do not fully understand all the benefits of music education. When budget cuts and low funding threaten course elimination, music is often one of the first to go. This should not be the case, however, because “learning to play an instrument can build self-esteem, increase various social and academic skills and can help them become a well-rounded person” (Montgomery). Music education is incredibly valuable, especially for children. The benefits that children can gain from learning music will make lasting impacts on them. Playing musical instruments has copious benefits on a child’s intellect, and social skills, and personal growth.

Life is a myriad of personal struggles, the depth of which depend wholly on the individual. One can decide to passively exist or proactively contribute. High school, a prime example of this crossroads, offers students a plethora of opportunities to distinguish themselves academically, artistically, and athletically. For me, being a part of my school’s band program has been the outlet that has enabled me to flourish.

Imagine a third grader, small and blonde, standing on a stage that practically swallows her. She gazes in awe at the bright lights that seem to tower miles above her head; likewise, she follows with a stare, fixating on the hundreds of darkened faces that remain directly in front of her. Unlike her classmates who fidget with nerves beside her, she feels a rush of adrenaline. What may have seemed to some an ordinary choir concert in a dull auditorium, was, to me, a life changing moment. Ever since this day, for 9 years now, I have had an unwavering passion for music and performing. As I aged, I found myself excitedly learning how to play 7 new instruments, but even considering the vast number of bands, orchestras, choirs, and instrumental lessons that I joined, I noticed myself

Elementary schools and high schools across the U.S. have lately suffered from financial strain. Because of this, budget cuts have to be made and music programs often suffer before sports and academics. Although some people believe that music is not a key component in preparing for employment and higher education, yet several others express otherwise, who say music has been shown to stimulate other parts of a student’s mind that can help them excel. Statistics have shown that the correlation between music class and other academia is not only positive for students, but also can improve future scholastic abilities, and thus should not be cut from schools. Through the evaluation of various sources

Band, a group of introverted geeks who blow instruments, hit things, and depending in where and when it is, getting hit by things is also an option. Occasionally, band kids can be bullied or made fun of for being introverted, geeks, and unathletic. The band room is a safe haven for band kids, but outside of the band room, it’s hell. Many people think that the Musical Lives by Gary Soto is a story about mean bullies making fun of kids, but it really is about how you don’t always have to fight back to win and the people you hang out with will define what people think about you.

Across the United States many elementary school music classrooms are filled with simple and popular tunes such as Hot Cross Buns and The Ode to Joy, played on the recorder, while high school students may be playing collegiate or professional pieces of music such as Armenian Dances and Carmen Suites. I have been very fortunate to have gone on the journey of progressing through different music education programs within Fairfax County Public Schools. If I was never exposed to music while in elementary school I might not have ever found one of my greatest passions or been able to create such fond and unforgettable memories. While music education programs across the country appear large and strong, many schools are beginning to experience budget reductions. As a result, music is often the very first component of a school 's curriculum or programs to be cut or significantly reduced, but I believe this is not the right course of action. It is important to preserve and promote music education in public schools because of the proven cognitive, character,and academic benefits for students.

Much too often in America today, modern music and art programs in schools are perceived to many as extracurricular activities rather than important subjects that are vital to a students learning and skill development. The truth of the matter is that encouraging music and art education in public schools has a much larger impact on student’s grades, academic performance, and the economy than the majority people realize. Within the next year city school budgets will be dropping by twenty five percent, and despite the fact that music and art programs have been showing a dramatic contribution to student’s learning, this substantial drop in funding for the programs will lead to no dedicated money for art or music programs (Mezzacappa). There is

Our children are suffering. They are being depleted of their childhood because they are experiencing things that many of us do not experience in our lifetimes. When entire neighborhoods and districts are plagued with this devastating predicament, where can our children turn? They turn to school. A place where they are allowed to be kids and do not have to face reality of their lives for a moment. Rachael Fleischaker is a music specialist in Ohio’s Canton City School District. She understands what these children go through because she teaches them every day. Moreover, she understands that music is a vital part of these children's lives and wants to do everything she can in order to save the musical program at the schools.

In the words of Jane Southcott, Monash University’s Associate Professor of music education, “Music with its nation building potential has the ability to build bridges to cross the divide in our diverse community”.

The music industry at Decatur High School is at its peak with artist making music at every corner. One pair of musicians affects the students at the school positively and negatively.

Music brings joy to billions of people across the globe on a daily basis, is an enormous part of some of the most important life events, including weddings and funerals, and is the subject of a multi-billion dollar industry. In schools, music is special in that can uniquely engage and motivate a wide sampling of

Many people believe that the arts, specifically music programs, hold no beneficial value to students other than for an extracurricular activity. Others believe that having these programs within our schools, only takes away from instructional time. However, research has shown that music education, and exposure to music in general, provides great benefits and values to the adolescents that are involved in said programs (“Music Matters”). Participation in music programs promotes the advancement of academic scores and sets students on the path to success later in life. Furthermore, these programs, be it instrumental or vocal, provide an outlet for adolescents to express themselves and have truly lasting implications on their global development. Notwithstanding all of the pleasure and self-confidence gained through participation in music programs, music education may provide important benefits towards students’ academics by improving their concentration levels and cultivating higher order thinking skills that may increase academic achievement.