IB and Music…Are they Compatible?

March 2, 2010 • written by Paige Carter

The IB program will give students a head start into a music program. Students will be able to increase their knowledge of music while earning what could become college credit. Junior Lowell Hagberg states: “Being in a music based class is educational as well as a ton of fun”.

 Statistics show that, on average, a student involved in music does better in school than one who does not. Lizzy Bunton, member of the advanced band, says “The music programs in school not only are fun, but they help the students learn and grow together…The people in the music programs have known each other for years, and they’re all really good friends. Music brings people together”. Musicians are able to form a community with each other through their creation of music. Not one person is more important than the rest; everyone has their part to play—literally.

 In the last ten years music programs have been diminishing in size. People have been unable and uninterested in fitting band or choir into their schedules forcing the ensembles to grow smaller in size and make cuts in directors and opportunities. The advanced band currently has less than 30 students, when it should have at least 40 to 50, if not more.

Moving back into the 3×6 schedule and the addition of the IB program hopefully will spark more interest in music. Students will be able to jump-start their abilities in music. Theory classes, intertwined with the normal band and choir classes, will be offered. These classes will especially help students who are interested in music as a profession. Students will also be able to be involved in both band and choir, without filling too many electives. Choir director Ben O’Connor, and Band director Peter Bergman, are very interested in allowing students the ability to take part in both ensembles, spending every other day in each group.

 Creativity and imagination are essential in building one’s own character. Through music programs, students are able to exercise the use of these skills. IB programs will only improve what is already an incredible music department.

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