Why Study Music?

Why study music? 

·Making music is fun! It is even more fun when you’re good at your instrument and the Kilmer Band has a strong tradition of helping students to be great at their instruments! 

·Research studies show that the rigor of learning an instrument actually strengthens the brain’s ability to process information. You’ll be a stronger academic student because music improves your ability to focus and better process information.

·Research studies also show that learning an instrument strengthens the parts of the brain that deal with emotional health. Having a happy, healthy mind is important!

Band Teaches Skills for Life

Courage.  It takes courage to get on a stage and perform, to audition in front of teachers and adjudicators, and to play in front of peers.

Competition.  Musicians compete with one another to become better and earn higher chairs.  The band competes against other school bands for recognition.  Competition gives students the opportunity to take a risk and challenge themselves to improve.

Composure.  Musicians must remain composed and flexible during performances, making adjustments to unexpected events without letting the audience know.  They must also demonstrate composure in front of their peers and adjudicators during auditions.

Expression.  Music expresses human emotions.  Musicians must learn to interpret music.  As musicians grow, they learn to feel the music and what the composer is trying to express.

Friendship.  Band provides an opportunity for members to get to know each other and to meet people that they might not get to know otherwise.  Band crosses typical school boundaries such as grade, academic achievement level, previous school, and social group.  It is truly a blend of students from across the school population.

Fun.  Musicians work hard, but there is always time for fun – on trips, celebrating after a performance, at award ceremonies, and during events.

Insight.  Most music expresses something about the time in which it was written or a geographic location.  A look at the history of a piece can help musicians understand life events and gain insight into human history.

Leadership.  The band has a hierarchy.  The director is the leader, supported by section leaders and each member of the band.  Each musician learns not only to follow, but also to lead and to encourage those around them.

Perseverance.  Practice is vital for musicians.  Through practice and perseverance, a musician becomes better at playing their instrument, better at reading music, better at playing their part, and better at being part of the band.

Responsibility.  Musicians must remember their instrument, music, supplies, and their rehearsal and performance schedule.  They have made a commitment and every member of the band is depending on them.

Teamwork.  Each musician is an essential part of the band.  Together, they succeed!