Children start learning music in preschool and those who are lucky enough to have a strong program in middle and high school, get opportunities to continue their music education. But, for how long?
Sadly, when budget cuts are considered, the arts are usually the first subjects on the chopping block. Considering how the arts influences much of who we are, losing classes in theater, art and music can mean the end of life as we know it.
Music is more than just for the soul, to soothe the savage beast or a way to relax. It is about history, math, science, reading, writing- well, you get the idea. In other words, it's about life and living.
He is the director of athletic bands at Oregon State University and Brad Townsend loves his music. It is more than his job, it is his passion. While he stays extremely busy providing music at sporting events at OSU, Townsend takes time to utilize his training and his passion at local community theaters such as Corvallis Community Theatre and Albany Civic Theater, most recently as Max in "The Producers."
"I love musical theater. It gives me the opportunity to sing and act, both of which I really enjoy." Townsend performs on stage and in the orchestra for many area musicals. He is also part of "Puttin' on the Bitz," a cabaret group he founded.
Dr. Brad Townsend at work following the return of the OSU Beavers baseball team from Omaha after winning back to back national titles in 2007.
Photo by Kay M Roth
Like Townsend, I have a passion for music. Also like Townsend, that passion was instilled in me when I was in middle and high school. I played trumpet and French horn in band and sang alto in choir and swing choir.
"My middle school music teacher inspired me to do more than just learn to play an instrument. She inspired me to teach." Townsend said he made his decision then to continue his music education.
What a shame it would be if the youth of today were unable to experience that same passion that, in my case and especially in Townsend's, has lasted a lifetime.
We are not alone. Take Cheryl Leckie for example. She taught music at Philomath High School for a number of years before turning to special education. She did not, however, leave her music behind. "I love music."
She plays tuba in the Willamette Valley Symphony, performs in the orchestra for many musicals at ACT and is the orchestra conductor for ACT's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," currently showing at the downtown theater.
Music education can also be linked to higher test scores, better understanding of math and science and how to work as a team. For example, The College Board notes that students who studied music in high school score an average of 59 points more on the verbal and 44 points higher on math in the SATs than their non-musical counterparts.
Even preschoolers who are exposed to music tend to excel in other areas. Drs. Gordon Shaw and Frances Rauscher of the University of California have conducted a number of studies on the subject. The results of one concludes that preschoolers given eight months of keyboard lessons show a 46% rise in their spatial IQ (spatial abilities include being able to visualize how to create objects). The spatial IQ is critical for higher brain functions like complex mathematics.
Townsend notes the added importance of feeling the emotions of the music."It is obvious in the quality, the way the music flows, and the overall movement when a piece is played with emotion."
Sometime that emotion stems from a real life disaster such as the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Frank Ticheli wrote "An American Elegy" specifically to honor those whose lives were cut short and to those who survived. It is the passion and emotion musicians feel that makes it even more meaningful.
Dan Johnson teaches music at Philomath High School. “I use this piece very carefully and in guarded years, because it is very draining.” His students are asked to think about the music and what it means to them. “This piece has grown to mean more to my ensembles with each major man-created disaster.”
I have heard this particular piece of music played by large honors bands and small high school bands. Because of the emotions, the passions and the dedication, "An American Elegy" gives me goosebumps every time.
Music also proves how important team work, dedication, and practice can be. Musicians in any type of group whether it be an honors orchestra, a high school band or a garage band, must learn and use all of the above skills.
Youth of today might not get the chance to experience music as we have over the years. Instead of cutting, school boards must find a way to save this valuable subject from extinction. If not for the sake of simply learning to enjoy music, for the positive things it brings to young people that they carry with them to adulthood.
At a glance:
What others say about music
National Association for Music Education
In her own words
Public school music featured at the Oscars
Get involved!
OSUMB
Troubadour Music Center
Gracewind Music
Corvallis Community Band
From 2005, some of the cast of "The Rocky Horror Show" on stage at Albany Civic Theater, doing the "Time Warp." Photo by Jay Thompson.
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