Music Instruments
The objective of the THS Music Department is to provide access to all THS students, of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, the opportunity to learn, enjoy and play an instrument with expertise.In an extensive study through the University of Toronto, students who received music lessons showed greater improvement in several subareas of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children than did students in either of two control groups. The music groups showed greater improvement than the control groups for all for of the index scores, Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Freedom from Distractibility, and Processing Speed. They also outperformed their peers on 10 of 12 subtests, Picture Completion, Coding, Similarities, Picture Arrangement, Block Design, Vocabulary, Object Assembly, Comprehension, Symbol Search, and Digit Span.Students participating in THS music classes not only gain the aforementioned skills, but also attain cooperation skills, leadership skills and the value of community service. Music at THS is one of the only courses a student can take daily, for all 4 high school years. This allows students a venue in which to feel connected to their high school community, to learning, and to achieving excellence by mastering a musical instrument. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in various honor bands at a variety of colleges, and to go on “Band Tour” to play at various Veterans Hospitals and Extended Care Center’s while experiencing the value of community service. The band parent group, TEMPO, helps the students fundraise so they can partake in these opportunities.Leadership is another component of THS Music Department. Band has student leaders similar to student government. For instance the drum major is the student who leads and directs the marching band. Marching Band plays at all the home THS football games on Saturdays. Students hold other positions that include planning fundraisers, special events for band students to help foster an inclusive community, and a teaching program where students teach youth at Truckee Elementary. The benefits of high school music at any school are infinite.NOTE: An estimated 600 students will benefit from this grant due to the fact that these instruments have a shelf life of 10 years. Between 70 - 80 students are enrolled in the music department classes in the 2 combined semesters.
These instruments will be utilized in all music classes taught at Truckee High. Currently each semester there are 3 music courses. Current enrollment is as follows per semester: Jazz has 10 students, Symphonic 20 and Concert has 15 . Similar enrollment in the 2nd semester to equal about 80 students enrolled in music annually.
The utilization of these instruments and the expertise gained by the students will be our measurement of success. In addition, our ability to participate in our PLC planned events and having students understand music history, notation, composition and history will be a testament to our success as a stellar music department- and this proposal.Note: The company we use to purchase instruments, has the largest discount (40-45% off regular price).
Summitted for Dave Green/Truckee High School Music Department.The music department at Truckee High School (THS) needs to repair and purchase instruments for the students in grades 9th-12th- who participate in the following bands: Concert, Symphonic, Jazz and Marching. Students also need Music Theory books to understand music history, ear training, notation and composition.Many existing instruments are not repairable and have not been replaced since 1970. Adding quality working instruments to THS music department will allow for a more diverse selection of instruments for students in grades 9-12 who are in Concert, Symphonic, Marching and Jazz Band. It will also allow students a better learning opportunity as the functionality of the instruments in imperative to the love, playing and learning of music.For many years, THS Band received Measure A funds in the amount of 10,000 to 7,000 annually. Band has not received Measure A funds in the past few years due to other critical needs at the High School. Usually, these funds paid for instrument maintenance and also essential music theory books - so we are hopeful that Excellence in Education finds this a compelling project to fund.
Music Teachers are allowed to meet through planned PLC . We coordinate festivals, and district wide music and art functions. These instruments will allow our music students to participate in any PLC planned district wide performances, honor bands and festivals coordinated within the PLC.
