|
Daniel bought his first drum set in 7th
grade and from then on never doubted what to do with the rest of his life. He went on to earn a graduate degree
in Music Theory and Composition after earning a bachelor's degree in music education. All the while, he played
with well-known jazz musicians and concert organizations as a professional. He was snare section leader in two Drum
and Bugle Corps. He also wrote and arranged music for various ensembles and was a drum instructor, music arranger, and
drill writer. He became the director of bands in a school where he has remained for the last 20 years. **********
WHY MUSIC
Why music,
why should schools teach music? This is an important question and one that needs investigating as education is a hot topic
for political thinkers. Many politicians, influential people, and mainly business people have made huge decisions about education
and, indirectly, the state of music education in our schools. The results have not been for the good of music. As a music
educator with bachelor's and master's degrees in music, I have spent over 25 years teaching music in the public school
system.
I teach in a state that has implemented standardized
testing to see if the schools are teaching what the state says they should. The "Three R's" have never included
music. In fact, many educators themselves believe music is a frivolous subject, and certainly not needed to develop strong
minds and bodies. Physical education is mandatory, not music. Many districts have cut down on the number of hours per week
students have music, and some have done away entirely with music, except for, maybe, an after-school club.
Now, just for a minute, think about the state of this country and
this world in general terms. Is this a happy place to raise kids? Are we satisfied with the governing bodies that control
our lives and livelihoods? Do we really have faith and feel good about the rulers of today, whether they are politicians or
CEOs? If you answer no, or heck, no, then we need to look to our future--our kids. How are they being raised? What kind of
education do they get in their public school life?
What are the priorities of
today's kids; tomorrow's leaders? Well, folks, I am here to tell you it is a very bleak horizon. I am not a sociologist,
but having raised two kids and taught in the public schools for a while, I feel I have a pretty good handle on kids and what
is important to them. And I can tell you, in addition to not producing as many engineers as other countries; we are not turning
out kids who love art and music. Most kids barely know when the war of 1812 was fought, so do you think they know Mozart,
Beethoven, Gershwin, and Sousa?
Being a musician, especially
a performing musician, is the greatest training for kids because of the nature of the music classes. There is a boss, a subculture
within the bigger culture of school, with rules, regulations, standards, and expectations. There is a chance to try and fail
and learn from mistakes. There is a chance to be around many kids from all ethnic and financial backgrounds. It is a place
to achieve success and be proud of accomplishments; to wear the uniform of a team and do it year round, not just football
season. In short, music classes are real life--a laboratory for turning out the leaders of tomorrow in a safe, controlled
environment. What better place for a kid to be? How better to prepare our kids for real life, regardless of their chosen field?
To those who think music is not necessary, I say, just look around and see what kind of world we live in. How can we make
tomorrow better? Try teaching music to all kids. Why music, indeed.
**********
|
