Kelly Schmidt MUS352/499 Version 3 November 3rd, 2012 Making the Case for Strings and Orchestra It is sad

d but true that as little as 16 to 17 percent of school districts in the United States offer string or orchestra programs in their fine arts curriculums. Other districts are moving toward potentially getting rid of their music programs all together due to the budget cuts made by the state. Between 1991 and 2001, 47% of schools had indicated that they had a decreased budget for their string classes, while they also saw an increase in the number of string students they had. Music programs, and specifically string and orchestra programs, should be included as an option for students. These students want to be in a string program, so we must offer it for them. Fifty-one percent of public schools offer band as a class, and 58% of public schools offer choir. These numbers are staggering compared to the 16-17% of schools that offer strings. The inclusion of a string program The inclusion of string instruction creates the opportunity to have symphonic orchestras within the school. Symphony Orchestras create the opportunity for the students in these groups to experience repertoire written for the symphonic orchestra. Without string instruction, the musical theatre program is limited in which productions they can perform. Also, the choirs would be unable to perform oratorios, which include string accompaniment. Without string instruction, the entire music program is limited in what they can do.

The Music Educators National Conference (MENC) recommends that instruction on string instruments begin no later than grade 4, and instruction on wind and percussion instruments begins no later than grade 5. It is harder to find the time and opportunity to learn an instrument as one gets older, so having this opportunity in the schools is great for all students involved. Some children even start string instruments as early as age 3 through private teachers or the Suzuki program. Children are able to begin string instruments at such a young age because string instruments can be made in varying sizesincluding sizes small enough for a toddler. In the case of wind instruments such as trombone or tuba, there are not sizes that are suitable for children at such a young ageso it is much more common to hear of a student starting a string instrument that young. By including a string program, these students would be able to join a music program in school without having to switch instruments, which can be confusing for the child. Students who have played a string instrument for years would have the chance to continue playing their instrument, while also getting a chance to get involved in school. String programs are a benefit to the districts in which they are included. Not only should fine arts curriculums be in every school district, but so should string and orchestra programs. They enhance the lives of the students and community involved. The benefits of string and orchestra programs are great for all students. These programs should be included in all districts that have the means to do so.

Website Sources http://web.cfa.arizona.edu/sites/jsr/wpcontent/docs/StatusofOrchestraProgramsinthePublicSchools.pdf http://www.saveourstrings.net/StringOrchestraInstructioninSchoolsinAmerica.pdf http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/2256/Music-Education.html http://artsedresearch.typepad.com/OK_FINAL_012010pluscover.pdf