We are thrilled to announce the return of beginner band and orchestra classes to our elementary schools this year! Led by the talented Mr. Kevin Stewart for orchestra and Ms. Megan Steer for band, we've witnessed an incredible surge in interest and the arrival of numerous enthusiastic young musicians this fall.
Research has consistently shown that when students have regular contact time and support, they can achieve great success in learning to play an instrument from a very early age. Moreover, learning an instrument has been proven to be highly beneficial for the development of social, emotional, reading, and critical thinking skills. You may have come across videos of children as young as two years old playing the violin, showcasing the remarkable potential of young musicians.
In the Cudahy School District, we are proud to continue offering the same program we've successfully provided in the past. Starting in the 4th grade, students can choose from a range of string instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, and bass. In the 5th grade, students can explore the world of wind instruments, such as the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion.
Now, you might be wondering, why the difference in starting years for band and orchestra? The answer lies in the nature of the instruments themselves. String instruments come in various sizes, allowing for younger students to start playing at an earlier age. On the other hand, band instruments are typically one size, and younger students might face challenges in reaching keys and physically managing the instruments effectively.
The key to success in our music program, however, has always been consistent contact time. In recent years, the busy daily schedules in our elementary schools and reductions in music staffing limited the amount of time available for band and orchestra classes. As a result, a decision was made to offer these classes to 6th graders when they could take band, orchestra, and choir as a regularly scheduled class in middle school.
Now, with the return of 6th grade to our elementary schools, we have seized the opportunity to expand the instrumental music program and return to our original starting years for band and orchestra. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our Cudahy teachers and administrators in this decision, and it has been truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm among our younger students as they embark on their musical journey.
We can hardly wait to hear these budding musicians perform in their first concerts of the year, coming up this December. Stay tuned for an unforgettable musical experience as we celebrate the talents of our students and the return of elementary school band and orchestra classes. Let the music play on!