By Logan Skidmore
For Carter County Times
For almost forty years, March has been designated as Music In Our Schools Month. Music has at some point had a positive impact on everyone’s life. This is true of all fine arts and arts education, but especially for music education. I can say from personal experience that the best times of my life have revolved around learning and performing music in various settings. But besides the intangible and emotional impact, there are some direct benefits of music education that I’d like to share with you.
The process of learning and playing an instrument has been shown to increase brain power and functionality, which can result in improved concentration. Learning to play an instrument can also enhance fine and gross motor skills, executive functions, and sensory development. Typically, students that study music in schools perform better outside of music class. There is improved literacy, higher grades, and music students are 24% more likely to graduate. Music performance classes there can also boost confidence, and positively impact a child’s independence, perseverance, leadership, and personal responsibility, all attributes that can help prepare a student for life-long success.
Fun fact: 66% of music majors who apply to medical school are accepted, which is the highest of any undergraduate group.
Studying music and performing can nurture creativity, build empathy, and help people better express their emotions and manage anxiety. Over 40% of college counselors reported anxiety disorders as the most frequent disorder they see among patients. Along with the mental benefits there are physical benefits as well. When playing an instrument, you are often using your arm, core, and back muscles. Also, the deep breathing that voice, wind, and brass instruments require can build stronger lungs and, as a natural stress reliever, music is good for our blood pressure and heart rate.
Music also has the ability to bring us together. When making music with others – such as in a group class, chamber group, or ensemble – you can be introduced to new experiences and points of view.
For example, recently the Carter County All-County Band combined students from the East and West Carter bands under the baton of a guest conductor, Pauletta Smith. Not only were students sitting around players they were not used to, they had to adapt to a different style of directing than what they are used to in their home bands, all in a very short amount of rehearsal time. This isn’t the kind of thing they could do without acquiring, and coordinating, a wide range of skill sets. This isn’t just memorizing the order you press the keys on your horn; this is the application of knowledge to a specific situation.
These are the skills that music education gives to children, which can carry through in other aspects of their student and professional careers.
So, I encourage you to reach out to anyone you know that will be attending East or West Carter Middle School next year. The beginning band classes are being organized and both Mr. Arthur and myself – Mr. Skidmore – look forward to your child starting their musical journey.
Cost is not an issue as if you are unable to rent or buy an instrument we will do everything we can to provide a working instrument for you. All instruction is free. There is also no need to worry about conflict with other activities. In the Raider Band we have had a seven year member who was also a Regional Tournament MVP, and another student who was ROTC Cadet of the Year; not to mention many past students that have successfully participated in band and athletics.
I hope you will agree that every child who wishes to should have the chance to participate in music in an active way. The band programs look forward to your child joining us for just such an opportunity.
Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com
