Schools excel at keeping music alive
Educators of all stripes have done an admirable job continuing to teach over the past year or so amid the many challenges posed by COVID-19.
The pandemic has made life difficult for students and teachers in every subject and aspect of school life, but the situation has been particularly tough for those involved in music.
The very nature of music in a group setting demands that people be in the same room, listening to one another and building on one another’s energy. Trying to perform in sync and absorb a group sound is extremely difficult using online platforms. And the activity’s many social benefits are diminished as well.
This school year some ensembles were able to perform together in person again, with restrictions. But performing in front of an audience often was out of the question, taking away one of the greatest rewards of being a musician. Yet schools in our region have continued with music and have made the best of the difficult situation.
It’s great to see local districts being recognized for these efforts. The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, or NAMM, recently released its annual list of Best Communities for Music Education, or BCME. Among the 686 districts recognized were Abington, Avon Grove Charter, Boyertown, Centennial, Colonial, Delaware Valley, Downingtown, Exeter, Lower Merion, Lower Moreland, Methacton, Norristown, North Penn, PennDelco, Pennridge, Perkiomen Valley, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Springfield, SpringFord,
Haverford, Upper Dublin and West Chester.
In cooperation with researchers at the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, the BCME program evaluates school music programs based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction.
The honor is a tribute to the districts and their broader communities that have a long tradition of supporting music programs. Most of all, it’s well-deserved recognition for some remarkably resilient teachers and students.
“In past years, schools and districts had to work hard to create successful music and arts communities,” NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen said in announcing the honors. “But, never before has the battle been so hard-fought against silence and a feeling of isolation. We applaud with all our hearts the commitment of so many to assure students continue with deep and rich music learning.”
Despite many difficulties, these schools have succeeded in reinventing music instruction and keeping it alive while we all anxiously await a return to traditional rehearsal and performance. And many of the tools they’ve developed will remain useful as a supplement to the tried and true.
This should serve as a reminder of the need to continue funding and otherwise supporting school music programs.
Studying music offers clear benefits for young people in and out of the classroom. Studies have shown that music education increases IQ and contributes to higher test scores and grades.
A 2018 study found that music students do better in English, math and science than their peers without music, and that more music and art equals fewer dropouts and a reduced number of suspensions.
We’ve been heartened to see this community continue its history of providing great opportunities for music students, performers and audiences.
NAMM summed up the success story in music education well with a quote from teacher Rebekah Valerio of Newark, N.Y.: “Keep making music, no matter what. Offer the same opportunities even if the final product may look different. Focus on the process and less on the product.”
Music programs for young people here and across the country have accomplished that, and it’s cause for celebration. Be sure to come out and support them when the opportunity arises.