Heather Plattenberger  
December 16, 12:20-12;50 Winter demonstration concert, SES Gym
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In the 5th grade, students have the unique opportunity to learn a band or orchestra instrument. The Instrumental Music program is an official part of the Boulder Valley School District 5th grade curriculum with which 100% participation is highly encouraged. Students meet with an experienced, credentialed instructor twice per week and perform at least two concerts.
** Clip Art licensed from http://school.discoveryeducation.com |
Why cboose the band or orchestra?
Playing an instrument and performing music with others is fun and can be a life-long endeavor.
Enhances Higher Brain Function and Spatial Reasoning
--Neurological Research Feb 28, 1997; Frances Rauscher, Ph.D., Gordon Shaw, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine.
Improves Reading and Math Performance
--Nature May 23, 1996; Gardiner, Fox, Jeffery and Knowles
Heightens Ability for Self-Learning and Social Awareness
Musical activities provide children with important experiences that can help them develop physical coordination, timing, memory, visual, aural and language skills. When they work to increase their command of music and exercise musical skills in the company of others, they gain important experience with self-paced learning, mental concentration and a heightened personal and social awareness.
-- Frank R. Wilson, M.D.; Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology - University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco; AMC 1998 Publication: “Music and Your Child.”
Develops Quick and Decisive Thinking
During musical performance, children must constantly turn their thoughts into action. Thought structures continually have to be updated and adjusted. The combination of constant vigilance and forethought coupled with ever-changing physical responses is an educational experience of unique value.
--Frances Rauscher, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; NAMM 1997 publication: “Making Music Makes You Smarter.”
Enhances Cooperation
The social climate of music instruction is marked by cooperation, whereas in most other subjects cooperation is totally lacking or replaced by competition. Only by working together can students play a musical performance. They learn that cooperation is a means to an end which can be applied to other goals.
--Frances Rauscher, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Builds Teamwork Skills
Ninety-seven percent of respondents to a 2000 Gallup survey agreed that playing in a school band is a good way to develop teamwork skills.
--2000 Gallup survey on American attitudes toward music education.
