It’s that time of year again…..school has been out for a little over a month or so, and last year’s 5th graders are now “rising sixth graders” and heading off to middle school. Last year’s 8th graders are very ready to be “rising freshmen”, regardless of their parents being ready or not. Whether students are moving into a public school from homeschooling/private school, or if they are just moving up to the next grade level, transitioning schools is hard at any age.
Getting students involved in an activity that can help them to feel comfortable in a new school is a great way to set a student up for success. Joining the Band, Choir or Theater programs at JFHMS or BHS will give students a peer group of new friends, as well as put you alongside some of your oldest buddies. Some students in these Performing Arts classes will be from your current school, and some will come from other schools. You will all spend time together creating and growing, while having fun and learning a new skill that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
Students will never “age out” of music, and it’s really not likely that they will have a “career ending injury” while performing on stage in middle school and high school. It’s actually quite the opposite…qualities they will gain, will be with them forever. Students who get involved in a school music program discover confidence they never knew they had, make connections with other students, and create memories that will last a lifetime. They build leadership and responsibility skills, as well as an amazing work ethic. Performing Arts students approach their craft with a passion that is often lacking in other activities. Sometimes something new can seem overwhelming, so it’s easier to say “no” than to take a risk and try it for yourself. “But I can’t join Band because….(insert excuse of choice here)”
Performing Arts kids play sports (even football!), are successful in all levels academics, and some students even work part time; Band, Choir, Theater kids learn to budget their time and work efficiently! Families with financial concerns should pursue Band, Choir and Theater, because Directors will work to find a way to make things work for your family. Speaking to Band specifically, our programs are designed so that everyone can afford to be in Band; students can use school-owned instruments if they need to. Students with braces and students with asthma can also be very successful in Band. There are tons of college scholarships awarded every year to students who can play an instrument. Medical schools seek out Band members, because of their hand/eye coordination and the pathways that have been built in their brains while studying music. Parents want what is best for their kid, so what’s the holdup? Join Band today!
From AmroMusic blog, posted by Ben Fonville at 12:00 PM Sat July 12, 2014
Used with permission…https://www.amromusic.com/amro-blog/posts/five-reasons
Five Reasons to Join Band
Playing music…
Makes You Smarter. Scientific research has proven that musical training builds intellectual skills, raises IQs, increases spatial-temporal intelligence, improves memory, and develops creativity. As a result, children who play a musical instrument do better on average in school than those who don’t. In a recent study of SAT scores, students with music education scored 53 points higher on verbal and 39 points higher on math.
Teaches Discipline. Music students learn that if they apply themselves, they can master a skill and achieve results they want. Learning to play a musical instrument teaches self-discipline, the value of persistence, and the rewards of hard work. Studies have shown that music students are involved in fewer discipline problems, less crime, and less substance abuse than non-musical students.
Increases Self-Esteem. Music is self-expression. Performing music in public, individually, and as a member of a group, builds confidence. Making music means every musician plays a part that is important to the group.
Relieves Stress. Music helps calm the mind. It’s been shown that music students experience less test- and performance-anxiety than students who don’t study music. And according to studies, college-age musicians are emotionally healthier than non-musicians.
Is Fun & Social. Playing music in a group teaches teamwork, ways of working together, and the joy and rewards of group accomplishment. Band and orchestra members share efforts and experiences and are often friends for life.
