Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Snow could hamper Turkey Day travel ... Free Thanksgiving dinners offered for those in need ... Mt. Ashland Ski Area preps for winter season ... Snow could hamper Turkey Day travel ... Free Thanksgiving dinners offered for those in need ... Mt. Ashland Ski Area preps for winter season ... EDUCATION Music strikes chord with sixth-graders Medford elementary band, orchestra booming Comment Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT MailTribune.com Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Nov. 23, 2015 at 4:46 PM Updated Nov 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Nov. 23, 2015 at 4:46 PM Updated Nov 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM » Social News Elementary band and orchestra participation this year in Medford is the highest it's been in more than a decade. This year, 321 sixth-graders — 93 more than last year — signed up for band, and 250 sixth-graders — 118 more than last year — are taking orchestra. According to longtime music teacher Steve Kessler, that’s the most students since the district cut school-day elementary music programs in 2003-04. “I don’t know if it’s just an increased awareness in the importance of music or us being more visible, but something’s working,” said Kessler, who teaches sixth-grade band at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, as well as jazz band, concert band and several other music classes at North Medford High School. Kessler also attributed the growing interest in band and orchestra to the success of North and South Medford high schools’ music programs. Last year, North’s orchestra and choir qualified for state and, two years ago, North’s orchestra, choir and band qualified for state. Prior to 2003-04, band, orchestra and chorus were offered to fourth- through sixth-grade students at every elementary school in Medford during the school day. But because of budget cuts, chorus was dropped, and band and orchestra were limited to sixth-grade students and offered before and after school, further limiting who could participate. At the elementary level, band and orchestra are open only to sixth-graders. And any student interested in participating in band or orchestra in middle school or high school must start in the sixth grade because it’s the only time beginning band classes are offered, Kessler said. All elementary students receive 40 minutes of general music instruction once a week during the school day, but those in band and orchestra meet twice a week before or after school. Every year, music teachers such as Kessler do a presentation to sixth-graders demonstrating a variety of instruments to get them interested in joining the band or orchestra. But this year, music teachers also mailed a letter to every sixth-grade parent in the district, letting them know that band and orchestra were starting and how their child could be involved. Teachers and principals also recruited students, and the district agreed to cover the instrument rental fee for students who didn't own an instrument and didn't have the means to rent one, Kessler said. “Some instruments rent for $25 to $40 per month, and for some families that’s just not possible,” he said. The district also has instruments it rents for about $50 a year, but for the last few years, it has run out, Kessler added. Southern Oregon Music Festival donated about two dozen instruments to the district this year, and the district is renting another 197 from outside vendors such as Tom’s Guitars, said district spokeswoman Natalie Hurd. The district had hoped to provide this service to students last year and had appropriated $500,000 toward purchasing instruments. However, it was unable to implement its plan to revamp the music program until this year, so that money is still available. So far this year, the district has spent $46,500 to rent instruments and an additional $15,500 on bows, instrument cases and books for students, Hurd said. “We recognize how important it is to support our local vendors, and we’ve worked with them this year to address the immediate need of our students’ interest in our music program,” she said. In sixth-grade band or orchestra class, students learn notes, rhythms, expression, the fingerings and slide positions for their instruments and “how to keep a steady beat,” Kessler said. “I never tell a student that they can’t play what they want to, because they’re more apt to want to practice and be successful if it’s an instrument that they really want to play,” he said. However, last year, when the district ran out of instruments, many students chose to play their second-choice rather than rent. Music, Kessler said, makes students feel connected with their school and builds cooperation, teamwork, leadership, self-confidence, self-esteem and creativity. “Some people tout test scores or SAT scores, but we want kids to love music for music’s sake,” Kessler said. Reach education reporter Teresa Thomas at 541-776-4497 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/teresathomas_mt . Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT MailTribune.com Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Nov. 23, 2015 at 4:46 PM Updated Nov 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501