“Music is an integral part of our lives. There are countless examples of how learning music affects intelligence in students, but that is not music’s only benefit. Music is an academic discipline available in schools in which students simultaneously develop cognitive abilities, physical abilities, and social skills. This is particularly evident in the instrumental music classroom. Through the studying of instrumental music and playing in ensembles, students learn countless lifelong skills that help them develop into intelligent, creative leaders. The cognitive abilities of the students grow and expand the longer they study music. Furthermore, it has been proven that their test scores improve in the math and sciences. Through reading music, students learn a new language that is significantly more complex than any other written language. They also improve their physical motor skills by honing their abilities at a piano or a variety of other instruments. Students learn leadership, organization, dedication, and teamwork, and also develop an interactive awareness of what is occurring around them through ensemble playing. All objective evidence points to the importance of instrumental music education in the schools. The minimizing of music takes away an important tool in achieving students’ success as adults. The importance of instrumental music education needs to be recognized so that programs are supported and the positive effects upon students will not be lost.”
– The Case for Instrumental Music Education: The Academic,
Physical, and Social Benefits for Students,
Kayla M. Peard, The Honors College, University of Maine May 2012
The school needs to maintain its own library of instruments for several reasons. Some classes require a high number of a certain kind of instrument, like djembes for a group percussion class or maracas for rhythm classes. Also, each performance group may keep a permanent library of playable instruments. This allows a teacher to give every music student easy access to every kind of instrument
Yes! If you would like to donate a used instrument, we ask that it be in good repair or, if not, that you also donate sufficient funds to bring it into playable condition. We cannot accept instruments in need of repair or with a long span of deferred maintenance. If you would like to donate a new instrument, please reach out to the Department teachers to find out which instrument they have the most need for.
Absolutely! If you know of a particular need that you would like to help with, we can direct your donation to just that purpose. Please reach out to us if you would like to talk more about this kind of donation. This includes a situation where you may be able to give a gift to either the School District or the FPA that has a technical restriction with it.