Continuing in Band

Dear Parents:

As our school year winds down, I would like to thank you for supporting your child in their first year of learning a band instrument. We take this time to celebrate not only the hard work of your children, but also the mindset that they have developed through their successes and their failures throughout their musical journey thus far.

Current 6th and 7th grade students are now considering their elective choices for next year, and I just wanted to encourage you to talk to your child about their experience in band and encourage them to continue next year if they are interested.

Music in school has a tremendous number of benefits:

EMOTIONAL: Music provides a creative outlet and a break from the routine and rigor of the traditional school day. Students in music are among the highest academic performers and report less stress and tension than their non-musical counterparts.

SOCIAL: Participating in musical groups promotes self-confidence, teamwork, social skills, self-discipline, responsibility, a sense of accomplishment and mutual support.

ACADEMIC: Admissions officers at 70% of the nation’s major universities have stated that high school credit and achievement in the arts are significant considerations for admission into college. Additionally, the College Entrance Examination Board found that students in music programs score 107 points higher on the SAT (on average).

Students in 7th and 8th grade band will be able to participate in more performances and assemblies, they will have the opportunity to learn new and more challenging music, they will have the opportunity to participate in all-district and regional events (like the Franklin Pierce Honor Band and regional solo and ensemble contest), and participate in school concerts, assemblies and parades!

Because our students get two elective classes, kids who choose band next year will still get to take other PE and related arts classes.

I believe all children are capable of thriving with a musical education, and students will indeed thank you now and later for encouraging them to continue in band next year. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for supporting your child in music!

Daniel Kexel, N.B.C.T.
Ford Middle School Band
dkexel@fpschools.org