December Holiday Programs-A Musical Extravaganza!

Congratulations to our beginning band students who displayed their new instrumental skills at the Christmas concert!  The students have improved at light speed during these past six months.  Learning a new instrument is such a  challenge, and we are very proud of their progress under the direction of our beloved band director, Ryan England!

Also in December, The Dolphin Sound and children from grades two, four, and five, entertained the crowd with holiday favorites accompanied by Orff instruments, boom whackers, drums, recorders, kazoos, and voices!    Between musical selections, there were readings about the academic benefits of music.  Below is a printing of one of those readings from the evening and how important music can be to academic success.  A huge thanks to Gay James and her excellent musical leadership!

According to a 2006 Harris poll of high school principals, schools with   music programs have higher graduation rates, and higher attendance rates than those without music programs.  Students in high-quality school music programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students with poor music      programs.  Students at schools with excellent music programs had higher     English and math test scores across the county.  Students who study music  outperform their peers on the SAT according to The College Board report also in 2006.  Nearly 100% of past winners in the prestigious Siemens Westinghouse Competition in math, science and technology for high school students play one or more musical instruments.