Secondary Music
Kelsey Wilhelm
9-2-09
Vision 20/20 Housewright Declaration
The declaration puts into perspective how realistic music is and how it is involved in human’s daily lives. Opposed to the thought process of many schools, music is NOT extra curriculum but rather a core subject that must be taught as seriously and strictly as subjects such as math and science. The role of the music teacher/educator goes much further than the classroom and is not limited to its pupils and students. There are many ways that you must project and present music to others. There must be a maintenance of the subject, one that not only preserves its essence but also inspires others to want to do the same. It is a role of teaching, performing and constant learning, to never stop experiencing something new in the subject. Music is something that has been around and will continue to be around forever. It is something that we cannot just ignore and will always be around. Understanding this should make me realize that it is something that must be thought and interpreted forever. It is something that will always be investigated and I am just a tool to be used in this fact.
Why does music belong in the curriculum?
1) People sense the value in music, even if they don’t talk about it much. (23)
a. I feel this is a phenomenal statement that has a greater effect than most would believe. How many people listen to the radio, watch TV, go to a baseball game. In every one of these activities there is music provided as entertainment or for added comfort. Now imagine how bad those things could be without music, or with people who have no understanding of it, trying to perform it. It could turn out to be some bad tunes. That’s why people must be educated in it.
2) I open’s up another side of the brain and allows people to think in new ways.
a. Aesthetic experiences differ from ordinary experiences in many ways. (24)These different ways can not only been seen in abstract but in very practical ways. It can open the brain to new ways of problem solving, pleasure, emotional and new ways to focus. All of these are important in people’s daily lives.
3) It builds everyday skills.
a. Being a part of music builds many characteristics needed in human beings. Self discipline- needed for the daily practice routines and dedication to ensembles. Ensembles and group work- helps build leadership, team and cooperation skills. Personal goals and preferences- understanding personal tendencies and preferences to human pleasures. These and many others are learned in an almost subconscious sort of way.
4) An afterschool activity that one and all can find do.
a. It is proven that afterschool activities prevent child and young adolescent problems. They keep them involved and with someone to guide them. This leaves for less times and a sense of personal well-being. It makes them realize they can do something and have the potential to always grow it in. As the Housewright Declaration stated, music is to always be learned and it will never stop.
5) It is Fun and pleasurable!
a. To repeat, everyone finds joy in music in some way. If you watched a scary movie with the sound off, you might find that it is less of a horror and more of a comedy. The big painted on zombie face seems a little bit more realistic when you don’t have the low rolling music to create that tensed feeling in your stomach that tells you something is about to happen. This time, without the music, that feeling is absent and your mind is clear, ready for the silly sheet over the actors headJ. What creates that feeling anyways….. MUSIC!
Charles R. Hoffer (1998) Teaching Music in the Secondary Schools. USA: Wadsworth, Thompson Learning, Inc.
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I'd like to add some more to your fourth suggestion for having music in schools. I definitely believe it is true that grades, friendships, and social issues may become less-than-desirable without music. In my own high school, it became obvious to me rather quickly that music played an important role. The students who did not participate in music were most often the ones who got in trouble for illegal activities, were ineligible for sports or other extracurricular activities, and had strong friendships with few other than those who were in similar trouble. The teen pregnancy rate also rose among those who decided not to enroll in music courses. It may seem coincidental to some, and it might be, but the grades were higher and crime rates lower among those who were involved in music, so I strongly believe we should stress the importance of music not only because of the pleasures and joy it can bring, but also because students who participate in making music tend to be happier with their lives.
ReplyDeleteResearch bears this out! I will say, though, that I had someone in music who killed his brother and another who did jail time, so it's not 100%, but I think it's a strong correlation.
ReplyDeleteKels,
ReplyDeleteI agree that music in the curriculum does help students work on everyday skills.
Teambuilding is huge for working with musical ensembles and can help students to work with others, take some leadership responsibilities, and listen to the views of others. This can help prepare students for when they gradyate and enter the workforce.