I was surprised to find as many different types of philosophies that I did. I wasn’t aware that so many high schools actually came up with their own philosophies about teaching, but maybe that is because I haven’t been exposed to them yet. Many of the philosophies that I found took on a more anamorphic approach; talking about how music cannot be measured but experienced and felt.
The philosophy statement from Holy Redeemer High School seems to have a good balance between the intellectual and the aesthetic side of music education. It states how general music education is about developing different aesthetic abilities in all students so that they can experience music to its fullest affect. It mentions that there are a variety of opportunities and ensembles for students to be a part of. The music department is set up so that students will be able to gain music skills while also working towards making themselves well-rounded individuals.
The Foxborough High School music philosophy lists a variety of objectives that the students will be able to accomplish during their participation in music. Most of these objectives state how the student will “discover,” “experience,” and “recognize” different aspects of life like joy, creativity, and values. The objective that I admire the most from this philosophy is that student will “experience the joy that arises from the struggle of human beings with and against that which limits them.” I think that this really shows how and what music can make you experience. It finally states that “The results of FHS Music experiences will be recognized ‘in time,’ as one’s understanding of self and balance with the world (society) takes on a new meaning.” I like the fact that this tells how students will be able to see the world in a new light after participating and really experiencing music.
My favorite philosophy that I found comes from the Neuqua Valley High School Choral Department. It mentions how people have unique abilities that enable them to share the meaning of emotions and “the ability to share that which makes us who we are.” It mentions how that we are the only creature that can do this, and that we need to share what makes us who we are with others. It goes on to talk about how directly affect our emotions and that “Music transcends language; it goes beyond the limits of words and can affect us in ways that nothing else in the world can. It allows us to grow.” This page then goes on to describe how being in choir can help students develop characteristic that they will be able to use later on in life. It also lists off a number of different goals that are expected of the students that participate in this choral program.
Overall, it seems to me that a majority of the philosophies I found mention how music is an important part of everyday life. They also mention how by taking music classes, students will learn skills and lessons that will make them a more-rounded individual.
Resources:
http://www.foxborough.k12.ma.us/fpsweb/FHS/FHSmusic/philosophy.htm Retrieved on 9/14/2009.
http://holyredeemerhs.org/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=61 Retrieved on 9/13/2009.
http://www.neuquamusic.org/choir/philosophy.html Retrieved on 9/14/2009.
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I like the "in time" statement as well. We all take time to understand that which we learn. It doesn't make sense all at once, but rather as we add experiences to our lives.
ReplyDeleteI actually went to the Foxborough site--what a beautifully written example of a music philosophy. You can get the sense right away that it's a very experiential place, where music is art, and where expression is central.
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