January 30, 2024
From Antoine Lee, a junior at
Pickerington High School Central

I propose that we lower the grade at which students can start participating in orchestra and band. This initiative could be highly beneficial for the future of music education in Ohio and beyond.

If we can raise funds to buy more instruments and pay for music directors to teach fourth and fifth graders as well, it could prevent situations where students are still learning the basics in freshman orchestra. Additionally, the freshman ensemble, chamber ensemble, and high school bands could play more challenging pieces.

We have great music directors who are capable of this task. If necessary, we can hire assistants to coordinate with primary directors on what the fourth and fifth graders should learn, in case the directors’ schedules are too packed with commitments at Diley/Harmon, Ridgeview/Lakeview, and Central/North.

If we do have assistants, they should be able to teach the instruments and at least play one themselves. To reduce the theory learning burden for fourth grade orchestra, music teachers could teach more in-depth music theory in third grade, or even in second grade. This way, students will have a basic understanding of how to read music by the time they start fourth grade.

This initiative will not only enhance musicality but also boost academic skills, especially in mathematics. Music involves understanding patterns, counting, and ratios, which are excellent training for the brain. For instance, understanding that a quarter note (crotchet) is four notes in one whole note (semibreve) involves a one to four ratio.

Music education also strengthens memory and abstract thinking. Many students who excel in music also excel in mathematics.

At the junior high level, we could offer music theory classes as an elective, giving students the opportunity to pursue music further.

I may even host an assembly at an elementary school to explain what I know about music, teach a bit, and let students try out instruments, similar to how fifth graders try out instruments during recruitment. This could demonstrate the potential benefits of starting music education earlier. I am willing to speak to the board of education and music directors to get this plan underway.

Younger students have a natural curiosity and are likely to engage in music at an early age, developing skills faster than they would in 6th grade. While funding will be necessary for instruments and teachers, those who help keep music alive deserve fair compensation.

Music is a passion, not just a job. Students who pursue music and orchestra in school, even if not passionate about it, will still gain valuable knowledge and understanding.

Expanding music education will open future job opportunities, making it more accessible to pursue music as a career.

In conclusion, I advocate for lowering the grade at which orchestra and band programs start to the late elementary range and expanding music education.

Keep music alive!