Music Rising!

Philosophy of Music

Often the question is asked by those with less than ambitious minds, "Why teach music ?" They want to know what the purpose of music is in our present day society. I cannot envision a world without music! As a people, music defines our world. It is an expression of our culture and shows that we, as humans, are intrinsically creative. To give an answer to those that do not understand the value of music in our present day society I would point out that studies show that students who participate in music programs at school are much better equipped to function in the demanding commercial and political world. Presidents have spoken about how music was an integral part of their maturation process.

Throughout history music has been a part of our cultural institutions. All activities carried out on a social level have a musical accompaniment. Who can imagine a graduation without Elgar's, "Pomp and Circumstance." And on a family level there would be a bland party without, "Happy Birthday to you... " or, "Auld Lang Syne" for the new year. These songs, and many others, support and define our need for music in our daily lives.

Music is interdisciplinary. It encompasses science, mathematics, history, language arts, physical education, and even management. Anyone who has picked up an instrument and tried to learn it knows the discipline needed to master it. One must be not just physically fit but aware of breathing, posture, stress control, and even hearing, and vision, especially peripheral, (which is so important to auto driving). A music student has a better grasp of management for allotting practice time and budgeting and balancing other subjects homework. the music student knows the need for regularity and consistency. Instrument care and maintenance is also thought through.

Music develops an understanding of mathematics with the counting and subdividing constantly going on when playing a piece of music. Also the concept of spatial relevance is well ground in listening exercises and music theory. The Minnesota Graduation Standards have placed this on itıs required list of music disciplines, (p. 6 - Higher Profiles of Learning).
Music notation subliminally prepares students for analyzing and understanding foreign languages. The scripts used in written music are similar, and in some cases identical, to written languages in other countries. Furthermore, the inclusion of history, economics, and social studies can be seen in the lessons of any music history book where the relationships of art to society are intertwined.

So any question about why we teach music can be answered by just looking at the people we work with, watching the news, or seeing people on the street. Art reflects life and gives us an understanding of who we are and where we have been. Not to say that the music in a supermarket is the most aesthetically pleasing but can you imagine shopping without it?
Let us all continue to make music a worthwhile part of our lives.

Kenneth Thomas
Director of Bands and Orchestra

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