We have been able to maintain our art and music programs despite budget constraints and despite the pressure from the state to allocate more time to academics because of MCAS. However, I would certainly like to be able to expand and enhance our music, art, and theater offerings at all levels. For the past two years, we have not had a full-time department head instead relying on the part-time efforts of our retired Director, Marsha Caron. Additionally, we lack the resources to provide students with more frequent classes and opportunities. Our hard-working band students have not had the opportunity to travel and take part in competitions, as do bands in neighboring cities. Because few students can afford them, only a handful are able to take private lessons which would increase their ability to perform at higher levels. Opportunities to participate in theater activities vary from school to school which few opportunities available at the younger levels.
This past weekend, I attended Community Day sponsored by Tufts University and met a music professor who is interested in collaborating with our schools and providing Tufts students to work one on one with our elementary and middle school music students. I will be pursuing this opportunity for our schools. Annually, Tufts invites our students to Tufts for a wonderful concert and the University funds transportation.
While funding remains tight, we have to continue to look toward outside resources to enhance our programs. I would love to introduce a hand-drumming program in our schools and create more opportunities for younger students to participate in drama and theater programs. Currently, students are introduced to string instruments in fourth grade and band instruments in fifth grade. An elementary all city after-school chorus is available for older elementary students but it meets at the high school which limits some participation. It is wonderful to see our students grow as artists and performers. I regularly attend concerts, theater performances, and art department exhibits. Every year, high school students win recognition in the Boston Globe Art awards and their work, including the remarkable ceramics pieces, are outstanding.
Looking within and tapping other available resources is also vital. Band parents have indicated an interest in forming a parents support group that was very successful years ago. We need to support and encourage their efforts to create an active booster club for the music students.
