March is Music in Our Schools Month®, although every day is a good day to celebrate music education. This year’s theme from The National Association for Music Education is ‘‘I See ME in Music Education.”
It’s true – students at Otselic Valley see themselves in Music Education all year long:
When they choose to stand up in front of everyone and sing at Morning Program,
When little Vikings learn songs and practice rhythm in Mr. Scott’s classes,
When Mr. Taylor introduces younger students to band instruments they can choose from and they imagine what it would be like to play a flute or trombone,
When emerging musicians work closely with Mr. Taylor in individual or very small group music lessons so they all get musical support and personalized instruction,
When the band performs at community events throughout the year,
When the MPR fills with audiences listening to students sing and perform in seasonal concerts, and students see their grownups in the audience,
When students take what they’ve learned musically and try new things, like the annual Drama Club musical,
When they go on music-centered field trips,
When they become life-long appreciators of listening to and making music,
And more!
Music education is more than an elective: Research shows that musical training has measurable positive effects on brain development. We know that all children and youth who learn to make music develop expanding verbal memories, reading ability, improved pronunciation skills, flexible thinking, self-control, and more. Music education may also predict students’ academic success through young adulthood. Brain growth aligns with practice and musical experiences, and musical opportunities can align with social development.
Notably, student musicians and singers also benefit from the experience of community, connection, and teamwork that happens when they perform together. No matter what platform or genre they choose, people connect through music.
Our thanks go out to OV educators past and present who have supported music education at Otselic Valley, especially Mr. Samuel Taylor (band and instrumental music) and Mr. Patrick Scott (general and vocal music).