Have you considered what a
bland, one dimensional climate we would have without
music in our curriculum? Schools would be factories of
legislated drudgery, grinding through activities that are
supposed to enable students to perform higher on the TAAS. The observable results of including music as an
integral part of the elementary curriculum are
undeniable. Research will bear out a strong correlation
between a strong music program and rising test results.
When a student is involved in the discipline of an
effective music program, skills in other academic areas
grow; and in general, I have found in twenty-four years
of experience that kids who participate in the performing
arts do far better in school than kids who don't. For
that reason alone, I will always do everything I can to
promote music programs in our schools.
Dr. John Phillips
Retired
Principal from
Yale Elementary
Richardson ISD
A music class that provides only skills and drills, or
is textbook-driven, misses the artistry in making quality
music, as well as the inherent challenge in performing
with musicianship. Active music-making is a whole-brain
experience that embraces cognitive abilities as well as
expressive qualities. When elementary music students do
not get to experience artistry and musicianship, they
miss out on the benefits of music education: cultural
enrichment, learning and experiencing quality musical
literature, emotional expression through the discipline
of music literacy, and performing. In addition, recent
brain research indicates that giving our children
performance based music education with quality music
literature enhances student achievement in other subject
areas.
Ann Burbridge
Music Teacher
San Antonio ISD
Past TMEA Elementary Vice-President
