School Concerts are a Definite Sign of Spring

Every morning now I notice the birds awakening with a deafening cheerfulness. The dogwood is in bloom, tulips are waving in the breeze and the robins have all successfully relocated to their northern addresses. Despite the cool temperatures and lack of sunshine, spring has arrived. 

Another sure sign? The invitation in your child's backpack for the upcoming school concert. Last night the middle school was bustling with musicians and families, as the 7th and 8th graders performed their final concerts of the year. 

Striving to make their band teacher proud, the young musicians did a fine job. Only a shortage of seating in the small auditorium dampened the evening, as parents, grandparents and all manner of siblings filled the room.

Indeed, Brian Hutton, 7th and 8th grade band teacher was proud. He has worked all year with his charges, and his dedication was apparent. Composers ranged from Handel to Sousa to Percy Granger. The percussion section played a cadence written by  Hutton himself. The cadence will help the marchers keep time in the upcoming parade on May 28th.

These students work hard, practice and sound solid. A school concert, albeit a successful one, is a home run example of the importance of arts education in our schools. These children learn to read and appreciate music, count time, work with others in a large group setting and follow the baton's directions. 

Despite all this obvious learning, the students actually enjoy making music together--whether or not they realize how many skills they are gaining. Did you know studies show that students involved with music and the arts at school are more likely to stay in school?

For all the 8th grade parents, the evening had a bittersweet ending. Mr. Hutton thanked the musicians for their years of commitment and asked for applause as they finished their last concert as middle schoolers. Where did the years go? This is the bitter part, for mom especially. The sweet part? Music at the high school level. Our kids consistently get superior wins in every category they enter at the competitions they enter. Now that's something to look forward to.

If you missed the evening, there are still opportunities for you to enjoy our talented, young players. The 6th grade presents their concert next Tuesday, the 10th at 6:30, and will be directly followed by the infamous middle school jazz band at 7 pm. Additionally, the elementary schools will present their bands and choruses in the early weeks of June. 

Experiencing an evening of great music made by our youngest musicians is an opportunity to support our schools and watch (and hear) our kids shine.