Districts Partner To Build School Music Programs
Three years ago, the Nashville school district took steps to enhance its music education program with the assistance of local music-industry experts, at the urging of the mayor. This included the incorporation of new technology, an increase in band and choral groups, as well as the teaching of unconventional genres like mariachi, hip-hop, and bluegrass. Mayor Karl Dean stated that the aim was to establish Nashville as a city with exceptional music programs, as it is often associated with the music industry. Meanwhile, in the Anaheim City elementary district, located 2,000 miles away in California, not a single music class had been offered for over 20 years.
Linda Wagner, superintendent of the Anaheim City district, shared that when a time capsule was recently opened, they discovered evidence of an orchestra, but this was from 25 years ago. Seeking inspiration for reviving music education in their district, officials from Anaheim visited Nashville to observe the successful program there. They met with the mayor of Nashville, the head of Warner Music Nashville, the superintendent of schools, and local music educators to gain insight into the partnerships formed between businesses, schools, and the government in Music City. During the visit, they toured classrooms, participated in panel discussions, and discussed how to proceed in Anaheim.
The trip was made possible in part by the NAMM Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the National Association of Music Merchants, an organization that supports the music-products industry. The NAMM Foundation adopts a "teach me to fish" approach, providing professional development and resources for program development rather than solely contributing money.
While the music education program in Nashville has been successful, it may not be directly applicable to Anaheim due to contextual differences. Nashville benefits from the presence of the Country Music Association, which has generously donated up to $8 million to public schools, as well as from Taylor Swift’s support for music education. louie Magdaleno, the principal at Marshall Elementary School in Anaheim, acknowledges that Anaheim does not have the same musical reputation as Nashville. Furthermore, Nashville was not starting from scratch when they implemented their new music education initiative. Mary Grace, the director of curriculum and instruction for the Anaheim district, believes that Anaheim needs to catch up to where Nashville was when they began.
However, both Nashville and Anaheim have similarities. They are both urban centers with a high number of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a high level of poverty. Anaheim boasts attractions like Disneyland Park, which attracts around 16 million visitors annually and employs tens of thousands of people. Both cities also possess large convention centers, hotel infrastructure, professional sports teams, and arenas. Additionally, both cities host NAMM conventions, drawing thousands of musicians and music-industry professionals each year.
The partnership between the two districts was established about two years ago when Linda Wagner reached out to Anaheim’s mayor for assistance in restarting music classes. Mayor Tom Tait recognized the numerous benefits of music education and contacted the NAMM Foundation for support. The foundation sent two trainers from Nashville’s program to provide professional development in Anaheim.
Music in Action: An Inspiring Visit to Cane Ridge Elementary
During their visit to Nashville, the representatives from Anaheim had the privilege of observing the remarkable music class led by Kiera Crite, a talented music teacher at Cane Ridge Elementary. In this 2nd grade lesson, she taught the students about whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes. The students enthusiastically sang a song to help them grasp the musical vocabulary, followed by reading and demonstrating note durations on a drum. To further enhance their understanding, the students formed small groups to practice playing these notes. Jackie Filbeck, a member of the Anaheim school board, expressed her awe, stating, "This is a whole new level of music education."
It was intriguing for the Anaheim representatives to learn that Cane Ridge Elementary has three music teachers for just 1,000 students, guaranteeing that each student receives at least one hour of music instruction per week. This stark contrast with Anaheim’s student-to-music-teacher ratio of 800-to-1 left the visitors astonished. In Anaheim, students are fortunate to have approximately half an hour of music education per week. This stark comparison highlighted the inadequate provision of music education in their own district.
Another eye-opening revelation for the Anaheim administrators was that the Nashville district incorporates music teacher positions into their operating costs, without relying on donations. These positions constitute less than 2 percent, which amounts to $14 million, of the district’s $800 million budget. Nashville’s Superintendent, Jesse Register, explained that this funding doesn’t require yearly reallocation, providing stability for the music education program. Ms. Grace, the curriculum director from Anaheim, found this information encouraging and recognized the possibility of establishing a citywide music education program, regardless of a major donor’s involvement.
The timing seems opportune for Anaheim to reconsider fund allocation. With California’s local-control funding formula allowing districts more flexibility in utilizing funds for disadvantaged students, English-learners, and foster children, there may be room to redirect funds towards music education. These three student groups collectively represent the majority of the district’s population. However, the Anaheim group acknowledged the challenges they may encounter. Finding a pipeline of qualified music teachers may prove difficult due to the absence of music education in the area for an extended period. Will the teacher contract present obstacles when it comes to evaluating music teachers? Additionally, will classroom teachers, who have become increasingly focused on accountability measures, support the idea of sending their students down the hall for 45 minutes a week?
Ultimately, the district leaders and music educators have a clear vision. They seek to establish a standards-based music program with highly qualified teachers, dedicated classrooms, and consistent funding that benefits all students. Superintendent Wagner affirmed their determination, stating, "There’s no doubt we want to press forward. It’s just a matter of pacing."
