The evidence is everywhere that the school year is in full swing!  Homework has ramped up, sports practices and clubs are meeting and, of course, there’s music.

Finding the balance between it all is part of growing up. Our young people are exploring new activities, new interests, and figuring out who they are — who they want to be — all while striving to meet the demands of school, home, and their social lives. It can be challenging for your child. (And for you!)

Through it all, you can rest easy knowing that by being a part of our group your child will be better equipped to navigate the challenges. We know this because creating music has benefits for emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

Playing an instrument or singing in a choir engages both sides of the brain and improves reading, critical thinking skills and the ability to focus and pay attention. But there’s more. By playing or singing in the ensemble, students develop bonds with one another. Music is a ready group of friends who are there to support one another through thick and thin. And, each year that these students play or sing together, even if they don’t spend time together outside of school, the bonds grow stronger.

Your child is shaping who they will be — they are making decisions and learning behaviors that will have an impact on them for the rest of their life. Being involved in music helps students make good choices by surrounding them with other good students and challenging them to grow musically (and otherwise) each and every day.

My hope is that you and your child will recognize music as more than just an activity, but an essential part of their growth as a person. Rather than a stressor, music enables them to achieve their goals, build the life skills that are invaluable in all that they do, and, most importantly, enrich their lives in a way few activities will. Thank you for trusting me to be part of your child’s education. It is an honor to do what I do, and the students and I appreciate your continuing suppot.