How does playing an instrument benefit your brain?
video credit: Ted-ed
Why is choral music so important to your being?
video credit: jwpepper1876
The Value of Music Education
"Music educator Richard Gill argues the case for igniting the imagination through music and for making our own music. In this talk, he leads the TEDxSydney audience through some surprising illustrations of the relationship between music and our imagination. "
video credit: Tedx Talks
Under Construction...
YOU are very much a part of your child's mental, physical, academic, and social growth. The music teachers at Lathrop High School are here to be part of your child's growth in every aspect. They expect their students to work hard through the ups and downs of music making.
What does this actually look like?
Music is about accepting that mistakes happen, learning about how to problem solve and to correct those mistakes. Through music your child will not only gain musical skills, but the skills to be bold, courageous, and patient. Music involves stamina, courage, responsibility to self and the class, resilience, honesty, and an open mind. Parents are expected to be part of that growth for their child and to also be courageous in seeing them rise - fall - and rise again through the process of music making. Please consider the 7 bullet points below:
Attend your child's performances. Music students on average rehearse 50-70 hours on their music for each concert that is performed; That is IN and OUT of class. Come see their hard work! Concerts are usually only one night. It makes a big difference if you are in the audience for them!
Go over the entire performance/event calendar with your child.
Notify music teachers (by email) as soon as possible regarding performance conflicts. Missed performances will result in a zero grade and cannot be "made up."
Ask what music homework that your child has in band. There is ALWAYS music to be practiced. Encourage your child to practice at home, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Just think, even if every band student practice and perfected 1 measure - that's 56 measures that are better for the next day! (Band of 56 students.)
Supply your child with the necessary equipment/tools to be successful in music: working instrument, metronome, music stand, tuner, space to study/practice, guided practice time (parameters to play/sing - ie NOT at midnight, not while baby siblings are sleeping, etc...).
Communicate with music teachers any concerns regarding their child's ability to perform. For example: Are they sick? Are they mentally not prepared for music due to an incident at home or with the family? Have they not been getting any sleep? Is their instrument in the shop?
Volunteer and help raise funds when possible! See Ms. B or Ms. V to find out more in how you can help.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please know that we are operating on a yearly budget of approximately $5,000 - $6,000. To rent a bus for one day is approximately a quarter of that budget. If you have time to help fundraise and are willing to spearhead a group of music parents to fundraise together, let Ms. V or Ms. B know!
When reading the standards, note that content new to any given level appears in italic type.
Context and Explanation. The 2014 Music Standards are written in the context of Artistic Processes (with process components), Enduring Understandings, and Essential Questions. Those elements, and words used in the Standards, are defined in these documents: