In a message dated 2/26/2003 8:49:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,
lloyd.hanson@n... writes:
> Basically Texas does an excellent job of giving the musically gifted
> or musically interested student an opportunity to perform and to do
> so in performing organizations that are well supported and
> enthusiastically received. However, there is little opportunity for
> any student in Texas to learn about music or become experienced in
> this art if they are unable to become a member of a performing group
> or have no desire to do so. In short, the Texas school system is
> primed to support performing music groups but not to support music
> education for the non performer oriented student. The majority of
> students in Texas schools receive little or no music education except
> in selected pockets of substantial wealth. As performing groups go,
> they are unsurpassed. As music education goes, they are near the
> bottom of the list.
Lloyd, music is a requirement for all students in elementary schools in
Texas. There are also essential skills set out by the state for each area:
art, music, and theatre, beginning with Kindergarten. This is implemented
with varying levels of success and encouragement from district to district,
but does have to be taught, according to the Texas Education Agency. In a
large TX district where I taught elementary music, all elementary teachers
had full schedules of classes for all grade levels. All instructors were
certified in music, and many had also earned Kodaly and Orff certification.
In many schools, keyboard, guitar, and instruction in other instruments is
offered in addition to each child's regular music class. In others,
instruction in those areas is incorporated into the class. In general,
choirs in elementary school meet before or after school. There may be
exceptions. In many secondary schools, there are music theory and history
courses offered as well as performing classes. Some of those classes are
offered on an honors level for interested students.
Granted, there will always be districts who do this work better than others.
In addition, there will always be students (with encouraging parents and
perhaps more money) who study privately. In the secondary schools, there are
generally private lesson programs for those in the performing groups, most of
which offer some scholarship help to students wishing to study but not having
the financial resources.
Just my experience...thanks as always for your wonderful posts, Lloyd!
Sincerely,
Lynda Lacy-Boltz
Raleigh NC
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