There have been numerous articles asserting the academic benefits of students' playing musical instruments. Here are some studies published in January 2007 Prevention, by Sari N. Harra.
A study of 237 second graders by researchers at the Univ. of California, Irvine, found that those who received music instruction scored 27% higher on a fractions test than those who lacked instruction.
When the Princeton, NJ officials looked at the SAT scores of college-bound high school seniors, they discovered that musicians scored 57 points higher on the test's verbal section and 41 points higher in math.
"SAT scores aside, the best reason to encourage your child to learn an instrument is because it's fun and rewarding", says Mark Churchill, Dean of the Preparatory School at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. "Every kid—and grown-up—is affected by music," he says. "It's part of what makes us human. Playing music makes children happy, and happy children learn and get along with others much better."
Music, Band and Drama: Mrs. Lauren D'Amato (a certified K-12 music and band teacher) teaches music for our elementary school. She offers additional instruction in choral singing in our after school program. All third level students play recorders together once a week. Fourth, fifth and sixth level students have the opportunity to join the Montessori Band and receive group lessons as well as play with the entire group. Mrs. D'Amato also works with Miss Lowe, one of our elementary teachers, to produce and/or direct our annual musical drama.
Art: Mrs. Kay Mattingly (BA in art education and a Masters in Clinical Art Therapy) Mrs. Mattingly teaches art for our elementary school. She organizes two student art shows a year in the Fine Arts Building. She also designs the sets for the drama department. The art curriculum is on a 3-year rotation. The students explore various media, colored pencils, charcoal, markers, oil and chalk pastels, clay, watercolor, acrylic paint and collage. The students receive training in the fine elements of art, styles of art and art history. Mrs. Mattingly encourages all parents to visit the Art Room.
Extra Curricular Art, Music, Drama, Ballet and Tumbling Teachers
Ms.Cheri Drummond has a wonderful group of young violinists. She offers Suzuki violin, starting at age 3.
Mrs. Jeanette Long teaches Suzuki cello and violin. A good time to start playing cello is age 5.
Mr. John D'Amato (Lauren's husband) teaches all styles and types of guitar and bass guitar.
Mrs. Sharon Graham teaches a keyboard class called "Music for Kids" which carries out the YAMAHA music education concepts of group learning, ear training and age appropriate activities in young children.
Mrs. Cathy Williams teaches traditional piano lessons open for students age 4 and up.
Mrs. Charlotte Swor teaches traditional piano lessons for students age 4 and up.
Mrs. Robin Hargest teaches ballet classes for 3 to 6 year old students.
Mr. Gary Woodlee, teaches tumbling classes to all ages, beginning with age 3. |
