MUSIC ADVOCACY: Caring Enough to Put the Student First
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August 1, 2009
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FOCUS ON STUDENTS: Award-winning Student Essays Highlight the Unifying Powers of Music
Each year, School Band & Orchestra Magazine holds an essay contest for students from grades 4-12 throughout the United States. The subject of the 9th annual contest was:
“How Does Music Unite Cultures Within Your School and Community?”
Let the voices of these students be heard by leaders of your education community. Music education will clearly play a vital role in preparing the young leaders of tomorrow to communicate and work cooperatively as they face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Here, ten essay winners describe how music education programs help them to communicate more effectively, create new models of community and build cultural bridges where none seemed to exist.
Students Say: Music Education Helps Resolve Conflicts
In Arts With The Brain in Mind (E. Jensen, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001), healthy social development is cited as a key benefit of school music programs: “With music in schools, students to connect better with each other – including greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm.” Students themselves notice and agree:
- I have seen how music can settle differences among people with different cultures. This week I read of an Israeli conductor who united with a Palestinian musician and together formed an orchestra that brings together young Israeli and Arab musicians. This orchestra is an example of how music can unite cultures and make a difference in conflicts throughout the world. (Paola, 12, New Jersey)
- As an American attending a music high school in the war-torn country of Kosovo . . . music has opened the door to many personal friendships with Kosovars that I will cherish for life. Music has also become a bridge between the local Muslim community and the American Peacekeeping Forces. I remember the first time American soldiers visited our dilapidated school. Curiosity and tension vibrated in the air until Liridon sat down to the piano. As a Kosovar folk song filled the room, the atmosphere dissolved into smiles and applause: we had found a common language. The soldiers came often after that. They invited us to perform on their base and also attended our school concerts. (Allison, 18, North Carolina)
Students Say: Music Education & Collective Music Making Strengthens Relationships
Research shows music education helps motivate kids to stay in school, and develops self-confidence, improves the learning atmosphere, and encourages students to express themselves. It also inspires them to become more open and caring.
- In my school orchestra, my stand partner is Filipino, and I have a Nepali friend, as well as a Lithuanian and French friend, all of whom I met in orchestra. Cultural barriers melt away, though, when we secretly share a musical language through melodies of Grieg or Mendelssohn. In essence, music creates a new community with an exciting language and culture. Communication evolves to a new level.(Lilian, 16, Illinois)
- I have learned about many different cultures socially and musically by being in the band. . . Being in a multi-cultural band we all share a common knowledge of the musical language and the instruments we have chosen to play. Together we unite to learn band music, which is new to all of us. (Gavin, 12, Virginia)
- In my community….it is very common to see people of different cultures together. I think music plays a part in this. When you discover that you share a common interest with another person, it is a lot easier to connect and be friends with that person.(Steven, 13, Texas)
Students Say: Multi-cultural Music Education Broadens Skills & Perspective
Music is a disciplined human endeavor with intrinsic societal value. Music education helps students develop critical thinking, creative problem solving, teamwork and discipline; they reap additional rewards when that education is also multi-cultural.
- I live in El Paso, Texas, which, with the adjacent city of Juarez, Mexico, forms one of the largest bi-national metropolitan areas in the world. . . The distinct musical styles of each country have influenced my development as a percussionist tremendously, introducing me to new instruments and techniques. . . My guitar class has played a large role in this, as my teacher is an avid Flamenco guitar player and often discusses the importance of music in various cultures. It is truly fascinating how music has inspired everything from pre-Columbian civilizations to modern-day Mexican cities, stimulating artistic movements and cultural growth. (Timothy, 17, Texas)
Students Say: Music Education Builds Language Skills, Respect & Sense of Belonging
These students’ personal experiences show how music education helps equip them for the global environment in which they will live and work.
- My little sister was adopted from Bulgaria, and when she first came to America, she did not know English. The first things she learned in English were songs. She would sing them to my family to communicate. Music can not only be used for cross-cultural communication, but it can be used to learn languages when put to words like the ABCs. Listening to music in different languages can also be a good way to relate to people that speak other languages. (Ashleigh, 14, Georgia)
- In band, I found friendship, respect, and dignity. There is no difference in my color, how I dress, or who I know, there is just our music. We create something together, that we could not do alone. When we work and play together, something happens that is more than just different people playing different parts. My mom calls it synergy, the Pulaski Community calls it pride. . . . . Learning songs from different cultures may motivate us to learn more about the culture and better understand the people. (Alexis, 14, Wisconsin)
- Sadly, the community where our school is located is plagued by gang violence, racial tension, and economic hardships. The open and welcome atmosphere created by our music program enables students to have a clean, progressive activity to occupy their time as well as create life long friendships. Music gives students a sense of belonging and a vision of unity in our school and community. (Enrique, 17, California)
- I grew up as the stereotypical Asian kid who took piano lessons and performed alone. However, becoming a band geek in 5th grade changed my life because it united me with fellow musicians and gave me true friendship. Now, as the Drum Major of the Andrew Hill Marching Band, I see the value of music in my school and community because music does not discriminate. It serves everyone. . . Our diversity makes us stronger everyday, and no matter what happens in the outside world, music is there to provide an outlet for our emotions. (Jonathan, 17, California)
Now, Advocate for Music Education in Your Community!
Here are a few ways to put these student essays to work to help preserve music education programs:
Send them to your school board members/other elected officials.
Write a Letter to the Editor about the role music education plays in community unification.
Post a link to www.SupportMusic.com on your website & social media (ie, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to build awareness.
Use student voices in your district to bolster support for music education.
Read the complete 2009 essays – and get information about the 2010 essay contest (beginning September 1, 2009) – at www.sbomagazine.com
-- Debra Bresnan is a communications consultant for SupportMusic.com. She produces web content, newsletters and other written materials for businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. Contact: dbresnan@hvc.rr.com
