The Prairie Music Department
places an emphasis on the musical growth of
the student while working toward excellence
in each performance group. Opportunities to
learn music theory and terms, composition,
music history, ethno-musicology (world
music) and skills associated with the
student’s instrument are an integral part of
the program. Participation and group
dynamics are pivotal to an ensemble’s
success. Our vision: “Music in your life,
for the rest of your life” speaks to the
life long music consumers and appreciator
that we hope to develop through music
study. If students continue to study music
through college and perform professionally,
or perform in a community music organization
for fun, we want to offer them the skills
and opportunities that will help develop a
life long appreciation for music and
musicianship.
Study in the Arts
Makes a Difference for Students:
Research shows that young people who
participate in the arts for at least three
hours on three days each week for one full
year or more are:
4 times more likely to be
recognized for academic achievement
4 times more likely to
participate in a math and science fair.
3 times more likely to win an
award for school attendance
4 times more likely to win an
award for writing an essay or poem.
In addition, young arts
participants as compared with their peers
are likely to:
Read for pleasure nearly
twice as often
Participate in youth groups
nearly four times as frequently
Perform community service
nearly twice as often.
Source: Dr. Shirley Brice
Heath, Stanford University, for the Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Statement of Support for Arts Education from
Dr. Terry Bergeson:
"The Arts are
an essential part of public education. >From
dance and music to theatre and the visual
arts, the arts give children a unique means
of expression, capturing their passions and
emotions, and allowing them to explore new
ideas, subject matter, and cultures. They
bring us joy in every aspect of our lives.
Arts
education not only enhances students’
understanding of the world around them, but
it also broadens their perspective on
traditional academics. The arts give us the
creativity to express ourselves, while
challenging our intellect. The arts
integrate life and learning for all students
and are integral in the development of the
whole person.
The Arts
communicate and speak to us in ways that
teach literacy and enhance our lives. We
must continue to find a place for arts
programs and partnerships not only for what
it teaches students about art, but for what
it teaches us all about the world we live
in."
Dr.
Terry Bergeson
State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
