Please select the following:

• Students that are successful in music are usually high achievers in their other subjects.  Research has shown that music student SAT scores are higher than those not involved in music, and are more likely to be accepted into college.  Research has also shown that music helps bridge right and left brain activity, creating a balance between linear and holistic thinking.

• Music teaches self-discipline, team work, leadership skills, a desire to achieve excellence, and a greater sense of self-esteem.  Music provides an avenue for creativity and self-expression.  Music supports excellence in all facets of the student’s life.

• The University of California and the California State University have a visual/performing arts requirement for admission.  Students that wish to use high school band to fulfill this requirement must play in their junior high band first.  Furthermore, students in the marching band and color guard at Irvington receive PE credit, allowing them to have an extra elective for classes like Foreign Language.

• Get your child involved in the lifelong wonders of a quality music education, a rewarding opportunity that will not be available later. Music creates the whole human being and is for life......

Don’t let the opportunity to continue with music pass your child by!  Most adults I talk to regret not having continued their music education.  Music students at Walters rehearse everyday as a regular elective class, and have multiple performances throughout the school year.

Most college and universities specifically look for music classes on a student’s transcript during the admissions process, sometimes even before looking at “grade point average.”  Universities feel that music classes (especially performing ensembles) allow the students to learn many skills that they may not otherwise get in school.  For example, students in music classes have many opportunities to acquire leadership skills that they may not get elsewhere.  Also, students who play musical instruments are proven to perform better on standardized tests (like the SAT, etc.) because of the complex physical and mental skills that are developed by playing music.  As a result, students who have music on their transcripts automatically stand out when applying for universities.  

Students who play their instrument well and who are willing to play in the music ensembles at a university (even if they are not planning to be a “music major") can use this to help get into the school.  According to Mr. Bob Calonico, retired Director of Bands at UC Berkeley, he said that he did that at least 20 times per year.  This practice is common at other schools as well.