Editor,
I would like to respond to Gary Tymnoschuk’s comment at the May 14th school board meeting that despite cutting Grade 7 band, we will still have music.
What music are you suggesting? Recorder? Ukulele? Choir? While these are excellent tools to teach music foundation to primary students, this is not age-appropriate for Grade 7 students because it lacks complexity and diversity.
Replacing Band 7 ensemble with one of the aforementioned options is taking away the “a la carte menu” and offering up a “hospital cart meal” in its place. While some students will no doubt enjoy this style of music delivery, it will not cater to the broader diverse needs of all students.
Close your eyes and imagine a band ensemble. It could be orchestra. It could be jazz. Picture each of the musicians and their roles and now walk with me through a group of students, envisioning what instrument they might choose to play. We have the small-statured, quiet, contemplative student. The gentle giant in the back who speaks few words, but when they speak, they are powerful and insightful. The student who wears their headphones non-stop and “beat boxes” out rhythm all day. The outspoken class clown. The strong supporters who see a need and fill it. The student that taps out a beat with their pencil on the desk, their water bottle and their foot all day. The student with no musical experience. The student with Royal Conservatory or strings training from a young age.
Can you already envision a place in a band ensemble class for each of these students? Ensemble band allows each diverse student to contribute a unique skillset to a collective whole. But wait! Just when you think you have all these students pegged, the unexpected happens. When that small-statured, quiet-natured student finds their voice on a powerful brass instrument. What about the outspoken student who learns the value of playing a supportive instrument that draws the spotlight to others?
I was moved by the quiet, raw testimony of retired teacher, Mr. Kevin Lee, at the school board meeting. Have you seen this man play trumpet? Trumpet gives that same soft-spoken individual a powerful voice, a force of inspiration.
Ensemble band celebrates diversity. We must explore as many avenues and delivery methods as possible to deliver Grade 7 ensemble band in Surrey Schools.
Angie Haertl, band parent and board member, Semiahmoo Music Society
