Save the Strings program at our Bft Cnty Elem Schools
We need support from you. Please sign this petition that will be presented to the Board of Education and our Beaufort County Superintendent. We are asking them to KEEP Strings (violin) in our Elementary Schools. Let me add this information. Out of 14 Elementary schools that offered Strings classes last year, already 7 (50%) have ZERO strings class this year. How can you say it is only being "considered"?
Children that play a string instrument get better grades and higher test scores than the National average. String classes support our community efforts to improve SC education, as measured by student test scores. Numerous studies have been done to support this claim. For example a Texas University study measured SAT scores over a 10 year period. It shows that String orchestra students earn 400 points higher on SAT's than the National Average.
For strings to be effective both ASTA and MENC (Music Educators National Conf.) recommend that classes start no later than 4th grade. Third grade seems to be the most common but many schools start sooner.
National data provided by ASTA, American String Teachers Association http://www.astaweb.com/Content/NavigationMenu/Advocacy/NEWAdvocatingForStringsDVD/default.htm
WHY STRINGS (VIOLIN) IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS?
1. More than two-thirds of students who begin playing string instruments in elementary school continue to participate through high school.
2. 50% of high school string/orchestra students are school leaders in classes and activities and are members of academic honor groups.
3. The majority of string/orchestra students enroll in college.
4. Music students have significantly higher SAT scores (400 points) than the average student population: String students have the highest among music students.
5. Most high school string/orchestra teachers report that their string students are in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class.
6. 28 percent of string students are African-American, Hispanic, or Asian.
7. First and second year string students%u2019 math and reading test scores are higher than the general student population in suburban, urban and rural schools.
8. After two years of study, students who participate in the arts and music programs generally have higher GPAs than students not participating in the program.
9. Students who participate in orchestra and band programs in the schools are less likely to abuse substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.
10. Students in school orchestras learn teamwork by playing in a group, have self-discipline due to practicing their instruments outside of school, and gain enhanced aural (sense of hearing) and motor skills coordination.
We need parents and people in our community to get involved now while this process of removing Strings in the Elementary Schools is just starting. This year, they announced at the beginning of the year that Strings would not be offered in the third grade, nor during the school day. Next year, they plan to remove Strings from fourth and maybe even fifth grade. Yet, they hired a new Strings teacher for the middle school and elementary schools to build a program. Through planning and excitement and quality instruction, this teacher has over 100 students signed up this year. Last year, prior to his arrival, there were only 25 students in the program. Clearly, there is plenty of student and parent interest!
There is also research supporting that the students who have active parents involved in their school activities and studies will outperform students whose parents are non-active. Through the Strings classes, parents are drawn in and thus become more active in their students school activities. We even have a few parents taking the class with their child.
PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO KEEP STRINGS IN OUR BEAUFORT COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
We need support from you. Please sign this petition that will be presented to the Board of Education and our Beaufort County Superintendent. We are asking them to KEEP Strings (violin) in our Elementary Schools. Let me add this information. Out of 14 Elementary schools that offered Strings classes last year, already 7 (50%) have ZERO strings class this year. How can you say it is only being "considered"?
Children that play a string instrument get better grades and higher test scores than the National average. String classes support our community efforts to improve SC education, as measured by student test scores. Numerous studies have been done to support this claim. For example a Texas University study measured SAT scores over a 10 year period. It shows that String orchestra students earn 400 points higher on SAT's than the National Average.
For strings to be effective both ASTA and MENC (Music Educators National Conf.) recommend that classes start no later than 4th grade. Third grade seems to be the most common but many schools start sooner.
National data provided by ASTA, American String Teachers Association http://www.astaweb.com/Content/NavigationMenu/Advocacy/NEWAdvocatingForStringsDVD/default.htm
WHY STRINGS (VIOLIN) IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS?
1. More than two-thirds of students who begin playing string instruments in elementary school continue to participate through high school.
2. 50% of high school string/orchestra students are school leaders in classes and activities and are members of academic honor groups.
3. The majority of string/orchestra students enroll in college.
4. Music students have significantly higher SAT scores (400 points) than the average student population: String students have the highest among music students.
5. Most high school string/orchestra teachers report that their string students are in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class.
6. 28 percent of string students are African-American, Hispanic, or Asian.
7. First and second year string students%u2019 math and reading test scores are higher than the general student population in suburban, urban and rural schools.
8. After two years of study, students who participate in the arts and music programs generally have higher GPAs than students not participating in the program.
9. Students who participate in orchestra and band programs in the schools are less likely to abuse substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.
10. Students in school orchestras learn teamwork by playing in a group, have self-discipline due to practicing their instruments outside of school, and gain enhanced aural (sense of hearing) and motor skills coordination.
We need parents and people in our community to get involved now while this process of removing Strings in the Elementary Schools is just starting. This year, they announced at the beginning of the year that Strings would not be offered in the third grade, nor during the school day. Next year, they plan to remove Strings from fourth and maybe even fifth grade. Yet, they hired a new Strings teacher for the middle school and elementary schools to build a program. Through planning and excitement and quality instruction, this teacher has over 100 students signed up this year. Last year, prior to his arrival, there were only 25 students in the program. Clearly, there is plenty of student and parent interest!
There is also research supporting that the students who have active parents involved in their school activities and studies will outperform students whose parents are non-active. Through the Strings classes, parents are drawn in and thus become more active in their students school activities. We even have a few parents taking the class with their child.
PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO KEEP STRINGS IN OUR BEAUFORT COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
We, the undersigned, feel that teaching Strings (violin) is very important for our children. We want Strings taught at our public elementary schools beginning in the third grade. We feel the signatures on this petition clearly demonstrate a desire, interest, and concern from our community.
Please take this under consideration BEFORE removing the Strings program that many many parents in this community look forward to and have enjoyed. This is not something that should be removed.
Arts programs including strings are vital to our schools and the 21st Century learning skills of the future. Do not cut any arts programming in the Beaufort County schools. It is the main element that makes Beaufort County Schools attractive to people relocating to the area. We ar planning to relocate to Beaufort and the strings program and other arts programming such as dance play a huge part in our decision.
While our children have song since left the Beaufort County Schools, we know from experience as patrons and parents that music is invaluable in enhancing learning and enjoying life. There was no strings program when they were in school, but band participation led to membership in the Duke Wind Symphony (which studied in Austria for a semester and toured Europe and parts of Asia). It all began at Robert Smalls Middle School. Please continue to offer opportunities in music for our children -- and really for our future.
Statistics will show that by cutting your elementary program, you will have 65% fewer students signing up once they reach the middle school. Is this a philosophical or financial issue? If it is a financial one, then put John Benham's "Reverse Economics" to use. All those kids not signing up for orchestra will have to take a different class forcing the district to hire more teachers. Look at his work on www.supportmusic.com
When my daughter was in school, Strings classes were not available until middle school. She started playing cello in sixth grade and continued throughout high school. She even tried band for a little while in high school but preferred the more tranquil atmosphere of the strings program. Playing in the Sea Island Youth Orchestra was a wonderful experience for her. Because middle school is such a tumultuous time in a child's life with all the changes it exposes an impressionable child to, I think if the Strings program was already in place in a child's life in elementary school it would be one string of continuity to help a student remain grounded and be able to cope with other changes that occur during the middle school years.
My husband is the Fine Arts Specialist for Horry County Schools and he started the string program here in the early 1990's. We now have over 1500 children involved in orchestras here. I do hope that Beaufort County will not cut the string program from the schools.
In my many year's experience as a public school string teacher, I have had so many students come back to tell me about their successes beyond high school graduation. They repeatedly attest to the fact that their orchestra training prepared them in higher level thinking skills, quick decision making, organization, teamwork and time management moreso than most other courses taken in public school. The professions they have chosen are: acoustical engineer, civil engineer, military pilot, logistics and distribution specialist, naval officer, elementary school teacher, professional violist, professional cellist, orchestra director, PhD. in Oceanographical Studies leading reaearch at a university in South Carolina, PhD in Engineering, just to name a few. Two recent graduates have just entered pre-med programs. Countless other former students have enrolled their own children in our string program because they know the string orchestra program developed their thinking skills and life skills more comprehensively than any other subject in their public school experience. Can we afford not to have such ability development at the elementary school level?
In today's society, it is imperative that our children be allowed to participate in strings as early third grade. It is the perfect age to excite them about music and what they can do themselves with instruments. I speak first hand after seeing the difference between my sons who have had it since third grade and those who have started later (4th and 6th grade). Normally, you would think that the older would be more mature and dedicated, but it is in fact my third grade son who is dedicated and proud to be a part of strings. He loves to practice and show what he has learned. I think that it makes him feel more mature and accomplished. Whatever the reason I can definitely tell you that it has brought us closer together as opposed to watching tv or playing video games. With Beaufort being a small community there is already not much extracurricular activities for young children. I sincerely hope that you will take this into serious consideration when making your decision.
My neice and my grandson took violin lessons from Mrs. Penney Petersen and greatly benefied from it. It gave them a great sense of accomplishment and appreciation of music. I attended the concerts and was very impressed with what they had accomplished in such a short period of time. I think that it would be a temendous mistake to take this wonderful opportunity away from those that would like to learn string instruments and to express themselves through music.
Fortunately, I came upon this petition via the Arts Council. Many years ago I witnessed the experiences that the instructor at the time provided for the students at Lady's Island Middle School and others that she traveled to as well. The performances were phenominal. It was obvious the hard work that went into the program no only by the students but the teacher as well. What a shame it would be to cut yet another dynamic program from our schools. Keep the strings program!!!
As a music educator I have observed that students who learn to play an instrument do better across the curriculum, make higher scores on standardized tests, and have fewer behavior issues than students who do not study instruments.
As Director of Music at The Parish Church of St. Helena, I also can attest to the great benefit of music for our children. It expands the mind and gives a depth of character. Please keep music in our schools!
As an elementary school math teacher I see the impact that strings has on student performance first hand. The students I teach who are involved in the strings program are better critical thinkers and think outside the box. I am also the mother of 2 children who have been involved/are currently involved in the strings program in the Beaufort County Schools. Both of my children have excelled academically and come home and want to practice/play. Upper elementary is too late to introduce the program. My youngest son is a better player for starting at an earlier age. Save the strings program and allow elementary students to start the program in 2nd or 3rd grade if they are ready!
My daughter loves Mr. Wargo and learning to play the violin. It is a motivator in our house. She doesn't like to get up early, but on violin days she gets up early and willingly. It is increasing her knowledge and love of music and rounding out her education. Please don't cut it. She loves it. We could not afford to get private lessons somewhere else. It's a wonderful program.
Please keep the strings program going, I see enthused children everyday that like strings[Violin] or others..lol,This is my oldest daughter second year and she loves it!!My 3rd grader it's her first year and she loves going to practice,I didn't play an instrument in school..I'm hoping my daughter and others will have the opportunity to continue doing something they LOVE!!! Keep strings alive ..We all know that children who participate in musical activities do well academically.
Please save the strings program. I am a 10th grader and have been in the program since elementary school. I am planning on trying for all state this year. I will probably make it since the teachers are so great. My little brother just started and really loves strings. My whole family had been in the program from elementary through high school. Save the strings program.
I am from Oconee County SC where the state strings program started over 20 years ago. I was a student of the 2nd year of the program. I moved to Beaufort 18 years ago and was thrilled when the strings program was offered in elementary school. I have 4 boys all have been in strings since elementary school. All four are high academic standing and value the strings education they had. All have been envolved since elementary school and continued through high school. As for me I have enjoyed playing in the Beaufort Orchestra also. Please save the program it is very beneficial to the education of our youth.
How can we expect our children to be fully rounded if we cut every non-academic program in our schools? I am certain that playing an instrument stimulates the same centers of the brain that are used for problem solving - as much as any math or science class. As an engineer, I spend far more time looking for creative solutions to issues than I do actually implementing them. Strings is at least as important to our children as 1 PE class per week, is it not?
As a parent and grandparent of children who have benefitted from the strings program, I find it appalling that dropping the program is even under consideration. Three of my four grandsons who live in Beaufort have studied and enjoyed being part of the strings program. This year, my youngest grandson is just beginning in the program, and he is thoroughly loving it. Just this past Sunday, he brought his violin to my home to demonstrate to his Papa and me what he has already learned. We are very proud of his progress. He knows his older brothers were able to begin in 3rd grade and continue throughout high school. It will be disappointing to him and countless others to be told they aren't important enough to keep the program going. As a retired person on a fixed income, I do understand tight budgets, but why target the strings program? How about tightening the budget somewhere else? For some reason the athletic program is never in danger of being cut. I don't understand that. Yes, kids would be disappointed to see athletics cut, but are they any more important than those children who love strings? Creative budgeting should be used to find the solution without cutting any program in the school. Administrators who deal with the budget could make necessary minor adjustments in every area, rather than destroying one program altogether. For the children who participate in and enjoy strings, this grandmother begs you to keep the strings program just as it is. My grandson in the 3rd grade will be disappointed if it is cut just as he is learning how to play.
I see what strings has done for my nephew and for my good friend - Susan Mulroney's child - it has helped teach these children self-confidence and self-discipline. This option should NOT be removed from the elementary school education program.
Please continue the Strings program.
My second-Cousin goes to this school and she loves playing the violin. Having this available to her teaches her responsibility and dedication. It is also something that will help build her self esteem and self confidence, something she can be proud of. Please don't take this away from the students. Thank you, Stephanie Wright
This is very important to our family. Currently my daughter Savannah is in string and two other hope to follow. Savannah is a very smart little girl and this has given her confidence to do something she really enjoys at school. Savannah has met many friends and really enjoys this class. The students have to want to attend and all do waking up earlier than their siblings and classmates to be at school by 7:30, It really promotes that to achieve things in life it isn't always convenient or easy but that makes it much more important to the students!
My son is in the 4th grade, and this is his first year learning the violin. He enjoys it alot and loves his Violin teacher Mr. Wargo. After a short amount of time of taking his class, he seems to be picking it up quickly. My son has an auditory process learning disability, and he's currently being tested for dyslexia. With both of this learning disability, learning an instrument is beneficial. In a short amount of time, I can see a difference that it made as far as being a little more focused, determined, and having self confidence. If the school district decides to eliminate it, it would be a tragedy, because your taking a way something that is working for my son and most likely, others like him. So please, "don't take a way" our strings program from our kids!!!!!!!
It is vitally important to keep all arts programs in our schools! If any changes are made, it should be to ADD programming, not take them away. Numerous studies prove that students who study the arts do better in all academic classes than students who have no arts programs. Arts students learn teamwork and discipline, and develop higher skills in planning, critical thinking, and problem solving. Please keep the strings program -- and ceramics and dance and theater and all the other arts classes!
My son enjoye strings and I believe that it helps him learn the importance of practicing. I find him excited about learning new notes and delighted when he masters a new set of notes or song. I believe strings is a key part of my child's growth in many aspects. Please help us to help our children grow in the right direction...KEEP STRINGS IN OUR SCHOOLS!!!
As a teaching artist and former Fine Arts Coordinator (1997-1999) of the Beaufort County School District, I participated in efforts to maintain and expand strings programs in Beaufort County Schools. I witnessed first hand the value of the strings program as well as the other arts programs in the complete education of the children in our community and was pleased to see the program continue to grow after my departure.
It is with great sadness as the former BCSD Arts Coordinator, to see the program shrink after 10 years of building from 3 teachers in 16 schools to 10 teachers in almost 30 schools. A majority of students do not have access to the arts outside of public school and are discriminated against when these learning opportunities are deleted from their lives.
String is an essential part of the development of a child's mind. The introduction of music at an earlier age produces studnets with a higher level of learning. I want to see higher test scores through out the child's life time and studying music is an execellent way toget there.
i too, took violin lessons in jr high, over fifty years ago. to this day i still use the lessons learned then to read music for singing, and have pretty much self taught myself to play the piano, albeit, i can only play one or two melodies.
I grew up in the strings program from 3rd grade through college. I know from experience this kept those of us not into sports or who could not participate in sports physically involved in a school activity. It kept us occupied and out of trouble, and most in the group excelled in school as well. Please let me be able to watch my three musically and artistically inclined kids, and their friends, excell in school and in this activity as well!
Now is the very time to be investing in arts and education and this planet's next generation of caretakers. It will continue to be so for the next 50 years and beyond.
I have a third grader that would truly enjoy strings. He has been taking private guitar lessons for a few months now. We are some of the fortunate parents (at the moment) who can afford this extracurricular activity. This needs to be in public schools for those parents who cannot afford private lessons.
ANY form of music education is of great value. Without music, we could not live full and fulfilled lives.
All three of our children were Suzuki violinists from an early age and benefitted tremendously from their involvement in music. I am now the Board Chair of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and am very eager to see all our students here in the lowcountry have the opportunities our children did!
As a music student in high school, I gained an appreciation for music, but it wasn't until I got to college that I developed a keen sense of orchestral and string ensemble music. I believe it made me a better student. My daughter also learned to play a string instrument and it opened many doors for her. Please encourage growth in your school's string programs.
Our grand daughter is a first year student at Beaufort El. She is excited about classes and even excited about practicing.
I can't believe with all the proven support as to why the schools should have a strings program in elementary school, which should begin in 3rd grade, that you (our school board and you the administration) would even consider this program to be "excess" baggage for our kids. I bet that you wouldn't even consider "sports" to be excess baggage. Well, not all kids are athletic and it seems that what you are doing is a big disservice to a large group of our school children. I would much rather you keep a resource officer (police officer) out of our neighborhood school than take my son's violin away from him. If the paper was correct last week then this is your plan for next school year. We do not have criminals at our elementary school, at least, and I would be one parent who would vote for the school district to use the resource officer funds to fund strings and other creative arts opportunities for our children. I think you (our superintendent) should also be willing to look at your district office first to see if there is any "fat" trimming which could be done. I tend to think that you haven't given that the first thought though and I believe that if you were honest with yourself that you could find plenty to trim.
Our arts and music programs are an important part of our childrens learning. To eliminate the program would be a set back for the school district. To have a $163million dollar budget and cut this program instead of the other wasteful administrative stuff is silly.
My daughter started strings in second grade. She is in her fourth year playing with the Beaufort Youth Orchestra, third year for All County String Orchestra and tried out for Regional in Charleston this past weekend. If she had to wait until middle school to learn a string instrument she would not have gotten as far as she has.
I have played violin since my first day of orchestra in second grade. I took the opportunity to continue all through public school (on violin and viola), and received a music scholarship in college. That early start was critical to my love of music, and although music is not my profession, I continue to reap the benefits of the early school experiences in the many orchestras and chamber groups with which I play. Keep this wonderful opportunity alive in the public schools. It is money and time well spent.
It helps her her with her concentration and with her math skills, etc.
Great program at our school. It has boosted children's self-esteem through the arts!
As a Music Director in a Presbyterian Church in Beaufort, SC, I am always looking for instrumentalists. I think it is very important for children to begin studying as early as possible. As a child I was greatly encouraged to pursue music. I took both clarinet and violin. Neither became my instrument. But, I am in music fulltime because of the chance I was given to explore playing an instrument. There are many optins for children. Music should be one of them.
My children began strings education at 6 years old. They are now adults pursuing professional strings careers and teaching strings. There grades were always above average. We credit string music for their well-rounded development. Please do not remove elementary strings education from your public school budget.
