Music in Our Schools (VIDEOS)
March has been officially designated as Music In Our Schools Month, and music education has become the focus of schools across the nation. Music in Our Schools Month began in 1973, celebrated only in New York State, but has grown over the decades. In 1985 it became a month long celebration of music in schools. It reminds us of the importance of music education for all children, and that schools are the places where all children have access. It’s the time for music departments in schools to shine, and to share with students, faculty, families, and the community their beautiful and worthy achievements. Schools and communities throughout the country and overseas now celebrate with concerts and other activities.
Fifth and sixth grade honors music students from across the Anchorage area were in fine form Thursday, as the Honors Choir, Honors Orchestra, and Honors Band performed for a huge crowd in the West High Auditorium.
In times when education budgets seem to be on the chopping block across the nation, it’s a great time to recognize and advocate for programs that teach teamwork, discipline, empowerment, artistic skill, and the valuation of beauty.
Many of the instrumental students and vocalists had never practiced their craft until this September. I think they did an outstanding job.
Honor Orchestra plays A Beethoven Lullaby (Air on Ode to Joy).
Honor Choir sings The Spirit of America.
Honor Band performs Land of the Rising Sun.
A move to cut hockey or football would cause an uproar, but music provides at least as much benifit, and at a fraction of the cost per student.
Lovely!