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A few nights ago, I had the joy of seeing a piece on ABC’s Nightline program about an elementary school music program at PS22 in New York City featuring their 5th grade chorus and the music teacher, known to his kids as Mr. B. In a word – WOW!!! In case you missed it, or if you did see it and would like to see it again, here’s the link . This is not a “magnet” program or a “gifted and talented” program, but I heard a performance level (intonation, phrasing, enunciation and timing) that I have rarely heard below high school level. Give a listen-
It is obvious that this group has learned to sing. It is obvious to me, as it should be to anybody who has done any performing that they have learned how to put on a good show. They have also gained in ways that aren’t as immediately obvious and have potential benefits that reach far beyond 5th grade chorus. They have developed the discipline necessary to reach for a common goal and the teamwork skills needed to reach said goal together. They have also, at least in some cases, overcome some serious personal inhibitions. Jared, the soloist in this next piece, is the boy mentioned in the Nightline piece who was afraid to even speak in class just a few months before recording this video. (I have heard of many corporations spending hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on personal development programs for their workers.) How many of them can report such success? Listen -
Sure, I realize that much of this program’s unusual success has to lay at the feet of Mr. B, I cannot believe that there are NO other teachers out there capable of accomplishing something like this. Could it be that the teachers are spending so much time and energy defending the very existence of their programs in this age of budget slashing that they have nothing left for what matters – the kids and the music? It was stated in the ABC piece that most of these 5th graders would be going on to schools with no music program. If you are a parent or community leader facing this possibility, please check out supportmusic.com. This is an excellent advocacy resource site.
Teachers- Keep teaching music as long as the opportunity exists. But don’t just teach the time signatures and note values and “Every Good Boy Does Fine”. Teach them to love the music and to love making music. Teach them the discipline and teamwork needed but make sure that they also get to know the thrill of putting on a good performance and having the audience in the “palms of their hands”. (It doesn’t get much better than that!) Then you will have equipped them with something that can stay with them for the rest of their lives – and won’t hurt nearly as much as the sports injuries sustained by so many children these days. Also, promote your program as it gets going. Think what a kick it would be for one of your kids to write Grandma across the country or Dad in Afghanistan and tell them that they are on YouTube. What a morale booster!
Parents and administrators- Support your music teachers. That’s not just a financial commitment, although if the teacher is not getting paid it makes it harder for them to work with the children. Let them know they are appreciated. Make sure they have the resources necessary to get their job done. Keep their piano tuned without them having to beg for it. Make sure an administrator is present everytime the kids perform.
Final comments- If any of you know of good resource links for supporting school music please send me a link. If I get any, I will put up a resources page. Also, if you have a school music program that you are proud of, please write and tell me about it. I would love the opportunity to help tell the Internet world about you. Now, in “tribute” to the 100-degree weather we are having here in South Texas, here is one more number from Mr. B and the PS22 chorus. Stay cool-
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