Progressive Music Blog - Mark Despotakis

Story About E.K. Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:31:00 +0000

Here's a local story about the E.K. Blessing line of band instruments which Progressive Music carries:

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/85427852.html#

From theatlantic.com - Ways Obama's Budget Will Change Education Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Five Ways Obama's Budget Will Change Education Policy
One hallmark of the president's new budget is a major overhaul of No Child Left Behind, the education law passed under President George W. Bush. President Obama and Education Sec. Arne Duncan have both said repeatedly that they appreciate the bright light NCLB shines on student achievement and the program's stated goal of closing the gap between minority and white students. But here are five ways the new administration might change education policy, based on both today's budget and the direction of the Education Department:

1. Drop "adequate yearly progress" for schools. NCLB grades schools by test scores to determine whether they are making "adequate yearly progress." If schools fail to hit their goals, they are forced to offer additional tutoring, allow students to transfer, or face even personnel cuts. As Sam Dillon writes in the NYT, this pass-or-fail approach to evaluation "fails to differentiate among chaotic schools in chronic failure, schools that are helping low-scoring students improve and high-performing suburban schools that nonetheless appear to be neglecting some low-scoring students." A more nuanced approach would divide the schools into more categories that reflect their challenges.

2. Broaden the standardized testing system. One common critique of NCLB is that is narrowed the curriculum. By shining its harsh light on math and reading scores, it encouraged teachers to concentrate their energies in those two subjects, to the exclusion of sciences and arts. Duncan's logic is reasonable: Teachers will teach what the administration says it will test. So if you start measuring science achievement, teachers won't ignore the sciences. Moreover, the administration is likely to eliminate the 2014 deadline for every American child reaching academic proficiency. The quixotic goal probably isn't worth keeping around. The new goal will be to make every high graduate "college- and career-ready."

3. Encourage the states to set higher, stricter standards. Because NCLB allowed states to set their own test standards, many states, especially in the south, designed easy tests to achieve adequate yearly progress. So even as their students fell below the national median in national assessments, more of their schools would pass through the school system. I think we're going to see a push toward a national standardized test that won't allow individual states to design their own short-cuts to more government funding.

4. Develop new formulas for school funding. Typically most federal funds are allocated based to our 14,000 school district based on statistics like school size and income. Education analysts say the administration wants to reform the formulas to take into account school performance. In other words, much like Race to the Top -- the Education Dept.'s $5 billion sweepstakes program -- the administration would allocate more money to districts that demonstrate progress or pledge certain reforms.

5. Introduce merit pay, finally. For years the teachers union has rejected a raft of attempts to evaluate teachers based on student performance, but the tide may be shifting away from simple classroom check ups. Efforts to rewrite NCLB failed in 2007 because teachers unions refused to adopt merit pay. But Duncan's approach would dangle additional funds for school districts in exchange for pledges to evaluate teachers based on stats like chnages in test scores and improvements in graduation rates.

Unreal!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Secretary of Education Speaks To SupportMusic Coalition

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:31:00 +0000

On August 18, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan spoke with the SupportMusic Coalition regarding his letter about the importance of Arts Education. I was lucky enough to be a part of that call and hear Secretary Duncan talk about the importance of music and arts education in our schools. The complete text of the phone call as well as an audio recording is available at supportmusic.com I would recommend that you take some time to hear what Duncan had to say to use in your own advocacy work. See below for a copy of letter I sent to be included with letters from other members of the SupportMusic Coalition.

October 21, 2009

Dear Secretary Duncan,

On behalf of the over seventy school districts that we serve as a school music dealer and on behalf of the students, parents, teachers and community members of those districts, we would like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the arts with the SupportMusic Coalition. Your ability to take the time from your schedule to address such an important issue shows your commitment to arts education.

In our role as a business that services school music programs, we see how music and arts classes compel students to come to school everyday. We know that in some school districts, the arts are not seen as “equal” to other academic programs. We appreciate your words reminding education leaders that the arts are a core academic subject under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

As you know when students have the opportunity to participate in quality arts education programs, they not only excel in other academic subjects but they also take with them real life skills that are often unable to be tested. We see growth in such skills as creativity, problem-solving and probably most importantly social skills. These areas of growth cannot be measured or tested by a standardized form of assessment. Of course, that does not mean they should not be taught. The arts, especially music, have the ability to teach those skills through regular participation.

Again, we thank you for making the arts a part of your focus as you take on the role of Secretary of Education. We wish you well and hope to work with you and the Department as we make a quality arts education for all students possible.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Despotakis

Halftime Is A Warm-Up Act For Marching Bands

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:14:00 +0000

NPR Story on a competitive marching band.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120091086

Why Music Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:29:00 +0000

El Sistema

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:43:00 +0000

NEC Adopts El Sistema
Venezuela’s famed classical music education system, El Sistema, is coming to the United States through a pilot program at the New England Conservatory. The Boston Globe reports that in the first phase of the program, which began this fall, 10 students are being trained to open "musical education centers in parts of the United States where children couldn’t normally afford instruments." The plan is to train an additional 40 students to run such centers over the next 5 years.

El Sistema has trained thousands of Venezuelan children in music, many of them from poor socioeconomic backgrounds, and has recently gained additional renown since former El Sistema student Gustavo Dudamel’s appointment as director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

To learn more, visit www.necmusic.edu.

G20 brings Some Awareness to the Importance of The Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:36:00 +0000

The Obama’s and many other world leaders are in Pittsburgh for the G20 Summit today. Michelle took the spouses to the City of Pittsburgh arts magnet school – CAPA. Here is the link to the transcript of the event.

Here’s one of the great quotes from Michelle as well -
We believe strongly that the arts aren't somehow an "extra" part of our national life, but instead we feel that the arts are at the heart of our national life. It is through our music, our literature, our art, drama and dance that we tell the story of our past and we express our hopes for the future. Our artists challenge our assumptions in ways that many cannot and do not. They expand our understandings, and push us to view our world in new and very unexpected ways.

Point Park University Students Welcome The G20 to Town - INCREDIBLE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Arts community shocked by new tax burden from The Philadelphia Inquirer

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:22:00 +0000

By Stephan Salisbury
Inquirer Culture Writer

The budget deal reached late Friday in Harrisburg, which includes an extension of the state sales tax to cultural performances and venues - including museums - has stunned and angered the arts community.
"We heard nothing about this until late last night," Peggy Amsterdam, head of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, said yesterday. "It must have been a very last-minute deal. Not only will it hit the arts organizations, but it will make it harder for people to pay."

Details of the ticket tax began to become clearer yesterday.

Sources familiar with the final package said the deal calls for the creation of a special fund for cultural institutions and the arts.

The fund would get the bulk of the ticket-tax revenue - the exact percentage was unclear - and use it to support institutions previously subsidized by the general fund, such as museums, theaters, and zoos.

Senate Republicans, who had steadfastly opposed any new taxes, insisted on the fund.

Even though state officials said some portion of the new cultural sales tax would flow back to venues - and the exact nature of this remained murky - arts administrators pointed out that state support had already been radically reduced. In fact, in the case of historical museums and sites, it has been eliminated. Now cultural officials contend that audiences and visitors will be hit in the pocketbook, possibly reducing their desire to attend events and further reducing revenue.

"What we are really hoping for is a funding source that will help organizations operate in a stable manner," said Hal Real, founder of World Cafe Live and board chair of the cultural alliance. "Now what we're looking at is for these arts organizations to bail us all out."

The $27.9 billion state spending plan announced Friday night includes expansion of the state sales tax to performing-arts programs - dance, music, theater - and other cultural venues, such as museums and zoos, to generate about $100 million.

The tax would not be imposed on movies or sports events.

"It's sad," said Hal Sorgenti, immediate past board chairman of the Philadelphia Orchestra. "It would affect not only the orchestra but every single organization in this town. The ballet, the opera, Verizon Hall are all desperately affected. What's needed is the opposite. What's needed is significant support to bridge the gap, not a tax to increase prices."

A spokesman for Gov. Rendell, Gary Tuma, said he could not confirm specific elements in the budget package. But "we cannot do a budget without pain," he said, "and there is widespread pain in this budget."

The budget deal was reported the same day The Inquirer reported that the orchestra faced an immediate financial crisis requiring the infusion of $15 million.

"The juxtaposition is ironic," said Gary Steuer, head of the city's cultural programs. "This is a significant [tax] increase on an industry that is already struggling and is already losing significant state and local support. It's a bad policy decision."

Steuer noted that the state budget also would increase taxes on cigarettes and small cigars, a bump that could cut sales of those products, "things that are arguably bad for you," he said.

"Cultural participation is actually a good thing," he said. "It makes people feel good, and it generates economic activity. Yet you're imposing this tax on it that will depress the sector."

Bernard Havard, head of the Walnut Street Theatre, said the tax would mean the imposition of a deficit. If the Walnut generates $10 million in ticket sales annually, he said, the sales tax would amount to at least $700,000.

Several arts lovers going to see a matinee showing of the musical Chicago yesterday at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts said they would rather pay more for a ticket than lose firefighters or police officers because of budget cuts. But some also wondered why movies and sporting events would be spared the sales tax.

"I don't think that's fair at all," said Darryl Aiken, 48, of the Logan section of the city, who said he tries to see a show about once a month. "Why not movies? It's entertainment, it's pleasure, just like coming to the play."

"I don't like it at all," said John Wnukoski, 41, of Northeast Philadelphia, who said he attends cultural events once a month. "You're taxing the things that are educational."

Those interviewed yesterday said the tax would not discourage them from going to shows, but they worried it might hurt ticket sales for occasional theatergoers.

"It would be tough if you want to bring your children or your family," said Bea Easton, a member of the Philadelphia Museum of Art who said she attends musicals or plays a few times a year. "When families want to come, every little bit counts."

The tax is bad news for the arts community, which has already suffered in the tough economy, Easton said.

"They've lost a lot of their contributors," she said.

Tom Kaiden, chief operating officer of the alliance, said the idea of an amusement tax had been floated this year in City Council but had been dropped.

"You're essentially taxing one of the most vulnerable sectors, but one of the most vital," Kaiden said, noting that arts organizations generate sales not only for themselves but also for industries such as restaurants and tourism. "The orchestra is at risk, yet we rely on the orchestra to convey the message about life in the community, attracting jobs and visitors. This puts nonprofits at a real competitive disadvantage."

Havard, of the Walnut, said his organization would be unable to continue all manner of educational programming and support - activities Rendell has said his budget supports.

"This is so retrograde, so destructive," Havard said. "I would not remit this tax. I would refuse to do it. They'll have to cart me off to jail."

Contact culture writer Stephan Salisbury at 215-854-5594 or ssalisbury@phillynews.com.
Contributing to this article were Inquirer staff writers Mario F. Cattabiani, Joelle Farrell, and Michael Matza.

Help The West Mifflin High School Band Win $10,000

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Visit http://www.brvideocontest.com/ to see a commercial put together by the West Mifflin High School Band for Baskin and Robbins Ice Cream and Cake. Click the link above and look for the video titled Titan Thunder Marching Band.

Music Made By Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Found this at: http://www.vimeo.com/6428069

Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating.

I sent the music to the photographer, Paulo Pinto, who I Googled on the internet. He told his editor, who told a reporter and the story ended up as an interview in the very same newspaper.

Here I've posted a short video made with the photo, the music and the score (composed by the birds).

Music made with Logic.
Video made with After Effects.

The newspaper story about my work (O Estado de São Paulo): tinyurl.com/l4qdbg

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Director, Dies at 74

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Erich Kunzel, the award-winning conductor who headed the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since it was founded three decades ago and who won international fame through sales of more than 10 million recordings, has died at age 74.

On July 4, Kunzel conducted a concert at the U.S. Capitol with Aretha Franklin. He had led the National Symphony on the Capitol lawn in nationally televised Memorial Day and Independence Day concerts since 1991. This year, he also conducted a concert in Beijing, where he and the Cincinnati Pops last year performed in opening festivities for the Summer Olympics. Kunzel also led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops in many performances.

The Cincinnati classical pops ensemble has been one of the most active in the world, maintaining a year-round performing and recording schedule and making numerous television appearances. Kunzel recorded more than 125 albums and was named Billboard Magazine's Classical Crossover Artist of the Year for four consecutive years.

Kunzel received the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush in 2006 for outstanding contributions to the arts and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

Kunzel was diagnosed with liver, colon, and pancreatic cancer in April but continued conducting while undergoing treatment. Kunzel is survived by his wife Brunhilde.

Once Silent Child - FInds Her Voice Through Music

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Watch CBS Videos Online

Music Helps Students Excel in School, Life

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:03:00 +0000

What you see below was published in the McKeesport Daily News as a letter to the editor from Progressive Music's Mark Despotakis on September 4, 2009.

According to the Center on Education policy, No Child Left Behind’s emphasis on reading and math has caused many schools to cut back on other areas, including science, social studies, art, music, gym, lunch and recess. But cutting back on music education may leave students at a disadvantage in reading and math.
Parents should consider music education’s benefits when they help their children choose classes and activities throughout the school year. According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students in music appreciation score 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math when they take the SAT. A recent Gallup poll conducted by NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, shows that 94 percent of Americans think that learning music boosts children’s overall intellect, while 91 percent believe that it increases on-the-job creativity later in life.
According to NAMM, learning music also teaches social skills, self-reliance, problem-solving, communication and confidence. Music students are less likely to use tobacco, drugs and alcohol, and more likely to enjoy school.
No wonder Michelle Obama is holding music education series at the White House, in which established artists teach aspiring musicians. The Obamas hosted the first series in June, which focused on jazz. The First Lady said that there is “no better example of democracy than a jazz ensemble; individual freedom, but with responsibility to the group.”
Of course, American students need to receive music education not just at the White House, but also in their own schools. SupportMusic.com, a public service led by NAMM and the National Association of Music Education (MENC), encourages parents to advocate for music in schools. To download materials that can help you promote the importance of music in your local schools, visit www.SupportMusic.com.
The great thing about music education is that it helps students in other subjects but also has it’s own intrinsic values. There are so many ways each of us can take music throughout our lives. Getting kids involved at a young age will only provide benefit to them in school and in many other aspects of their life.
Helping a child develop an appreciation for music is the first step in creating a lifetime of creativity and enrichment. NAMM and “Making Music” magazine offer the following tips for raising a musical child:
- Expose your child to music every day. Listen to all types of music. Play music at home and in the car.
- Make instruments readily available to children. Leave out old guitars, harmonicas, recorders, tambourines and maracas for easy access.
- Take your time. Music should be fun and entertaining. Pushing too hard could lead to negative attitudes toward music.
To find a music store near you or to find out more about the proven benefits of learning to play an instrument, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

A Pantene Commercial Showing The Power of Music

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Texas Bands Feeling The Ecomomic Crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009
Posted on Thu, Aug. 13, 2009
Costs becoming a barrier for school bands

By EVA-MARIE AYALA
eayala@star-telegram.com
The extras for high school band can add up quickly.
It’s not just the $30 for marching shoes and $25 for embroidered shirts, but the several hundred dollars for choreography, competitions and camp that can push costs up to $1,200 or more.
Now, bands are having to adjust to the economy, as more families have less disposable income. Concerned that the fees could prompt some students to drop out, area bands are tightening their belts to minimize costs.
The Richland High School band, for example, had planned to attend the prestigious Bands of America Grand National contest in Indianapolis this fall but canceled because of finances, Birdville fine arts director Danny Detrick said.
"Things like that have been adjusted to what students can afford," he said. While the band will still take a spring trip to a contest yet to be determined, Detrick said it is likely that the number of students opting to go will be down from last year.
Parents at Birdville High School are being crafty in their cost-cutting ways. They are designing and sewing 90 silk flags for the color guard themselves rather than paying $15 to $50 or more apiece, depending on design and size. The band is also having an additional fundraiser this year, a pledge marchathon parade through neighborhoods near the school, to help students cover expenses such as contest trips.
Junior Abby Whisman, a keyboard player, said she volunteers at every fundraiser she can, not only to help with her own fees but also to support the band as a whole. The fundraisers allow the band to do more, such as attend a Bands of America contest in St. Louis this year.
Such contests are "a recipe for instant friendship," she said. "You’re with a lot of good people who are helping each other out along the way. I will remember all this for the rest of my life."
Many band directors said their bands were opting to attend competitions in North Texas rather than across the state or country to keep costs down. Such contests can easily cost upwards of $20,000, with entry fees ranging from $250 to $800 per student and bus transportation costing about $2,000 a day, depending on location, officials said.
The Fort Worth school district tries to cover as much of the costs as possible, but a tight budget all around means that this year it will pay for only UIL-related events and one other contest, said Christina Walk, the district’s director of instrumental music.
Some band boosters have raised funds to go to one or two more contests in the past, but Walk said she’s told directors to plan on cutting back on those plans because fundraising is likely to be tough.
"Everyone is having trouble raising money, and they just need to be aware and prepared to select the best one to go to if money is an issue," she said.
Last year, the Western Hills High School band attended three non-UIL contests, with the district paying the costs. Band director Eric Mullins said the boosters would not be able to raise enough money in time to pay for additional contests. He noted that last year’s goal fell short as some product-sales fundraisers were not as successful as band members had hoped.
"Our kids are good sports and don’t really complain, but I do hear some students say they are disappointed that they only get to go to one other contest," Mullins said. "I’m disappointed too."
At Trinity High School in Euless, officials cut fees students must pay to participate from about $900 last year to about $675 this year. Such fees help cover travel and entry to contests, camp and related items. The band did not cut any trips.
"They understand that times are tight for everyone," said Mark Chandler, director of visual and performing arts for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district.
Chandler said the 300-plus marching band at L.D. Bell High School is on track to attend three Bands of America contests, including the Grand, where the band often receives top honors and won the grand championship in 2007.
Some booster clubs offer financial aid, which usually involves students in need volunteering at fundraisers to help cover fees. In the last year, Chandler said more families in the H-E-B district have sought such financial aid, and he expects the number to increase.
David Stevens, fine arts director in the Keller school district, said he’s cautioned band directors to prioritize trips in case booster groups can’t raise enough money to cover more than one or two. Many nonprofits are struggling to raise money, he noted, and boosters are no different. Stevens has also asked band directors to consider whether what they’re asking students to buy is necessary and to be conscious of pricing.
"From marching gloves to shoes, I want them to be very aware in what it costs," he said. "They don’t need the Cadillac of T-shirts when maybe a Malibu is just as good. I know I’m doing that at home, and I’m sure everyone else is trying to as well."
In Arlington, the most significant difference directors have noticed is the drop in private music lessons. Larry Brown, director at Bowie High School, said his school had about 100 students taking such lessons a few years ago but last year only about 30 paid for them.
Brown said band members do have to buy some items — such as a lightweight shirt to march in during hot weather — but he too tries to minimize them. The booster club offers financial help to students, but Brown said there hasn’t been a noticeable increase yet in the number of families asking for such assistance.
"We try to not ever let economics be a reason not to be in band," Brown said.

Secretary of Education Issues Letter Supporting The Arts as a Core Subject

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:27:00 +0000

In our continuing effort to keep you aware of the latest in music advocacy news, we are excited to make you aware of a letter sent by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to local superintendents and community leaders reminding them of the importance of education funds being used to support arts education.

The entire text of the letter can be read as a PDF file here.

Secretary Duncan will answer questions about his arts education letter in a conference call on Tuesday. Progressive Music's Mark Despotakis will take part in the call. If you are interested in participating in the call or would like more information please e-mail Mark.

Progressive Music is committed to help achieve the goal of keeping music and arts as a part of a complete curriculum for every student in the United States. We are committed to the success of your arts education program. Through our participation in the SupportMusic Coalition and other arts advocacy organizations, we strive to advocate as well as bring you the latest in advocacy news and tools.

Houlihan's and VH1 Save The Music Foundation 'Tune-Up' for Encore Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:41:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 17, 2009

Hip-Casual Restaurants Set Goal to Restore Schools' 'Instrumental' Programs
July 17, 2009 // Franchising.com // Leawood, Kan. – As public schools suffer more than ever before due to the faltering economy , Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc. is energized about its second nationwide fundraising campaign to support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and help restore instrumental music education programs.

Now through Sept. 4, 2009, for every Mojito Margarita and S'Mores Fondue dessert sold at nearly 90 Houlihan's corporate stores and franchises across the country, the restaurant will donate $1, up to $30,000, to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Houlihan's guests can opt to make personal donations to the fund by noting a desired amount on their guest checks.

Houlihan's executives hope to build on the success of last year's inaugural campaign, when more than $54,000 was donated to VH1 Save The Music Foundation to provide music education programs for two schools – one in Wilkinsburg, PA and the other in St. Louis, MO. From the organization of Guitar Hero competitions to concerts put on by local high school bands, Houlihan's restaurants galvanized their local communities to collect funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and raise awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's education.

"Music is a critical piece of Houlihan's customer experience," said Jen Gulvik, Vice President of Marketing for Houlihan's. "Our music selection draws from the many lesser-known artists as we feel it is important to give budding artists a chance to be heard. Similarly, we strongly believe that every child should have the chance to play an instrument, join a band, and enjoy the many benefits music brings to life. In partnering with VH1 Save The Music Foundation, we hope to help restore music education in our schools and generate awareness about the fact that many kids are growing up with out access to instruments or music programs."

Since its founding in 1997, VH1 Save The Music Foundation has helped "save" music programs in thousands of public schools, which traditionally cut fine arts activities when budgets tighten. Also, the foundation has helped countless children enjoy the benefits of musical study, including improved self-esteem and increased SAT scores, high school graduation rates, college attendance rates, etc.

"We are thrilled that Houlihan's will again galvanize their employees and customers to help increase awareness and raise funds for music education in the U.S." said Paul Cothran, Executive Director for VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "With widespread budget cuts and lack of public funds, more schools across the county depend on our funds and the goodwill of partners like Houlihan's to provide their students with instruments and music classes."

In addition to restoring instrumental music programs in the nation's public schools, VH1 Save The Music Foundation aims to raise awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's education. For example, U.S. Department of Education data shows that students who report consistently high levels of involvement in instrumental music during the middle- and high-school years show significantly higher levels of math proficiency by grade 12. In general, music helps develop the essential skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, team work, and more.
About Houlihan's
Established in 1972, Houlihan's is a progressive concept that bridges the gap between fine dining and what people have come to expect from casual dining, priding itself on style and quality appropriate for any occasion, any day of the week. Houlihan's offers guests an inviting atmosphere, eclectic menu and energetic bar environment with creative, diverse drink offerings. Inspired by fare around the globe, Houlihan's crafts dishes made from scratch with assertive flavors, offering a unique culinary experience. Currently, more than one hundred Houlihan's restaurants operate throughout the country. Houlihan's is owned by Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc. of Leawood, Kansas, a pioneer in the full-service, casual dining industry that developed and owns several restaurant concepts comprising of approximately 115 locations from coast to coast, including Devon Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks.
About VH1 Save The Music Foundation
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has successfully restored and sustained instrumental music programs in 1,600 public schools in more than 100 cities across the country, including Memphis, Houston, Chicago, New York, Denver, Baltimore and Milwaukee. Over the past ten years, various artists and celebrities have shown their devotion to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation by partnering with the organization as they've reached out to struggling school districts across the country. This year, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Chris Webber, Gavin DeGraw, NE-YO, Johnny Rzeznik, Natasha Bedingfield, The Fray, Tamia, 3 Doors Down and Venus Williams serve as The Foundation's Inaugural Class of Ambassadors, each raising funds and delivering key messages on behalf of The Foundation. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $43 million in new musical instruments, affecting the lives of more than 1.2 million children. It is The Foundation's renewed commitment to donate one hundred million dollars worth of new musical instruments to ensure that even a greater number of students receive a comprehensive music education in the coming decade!

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Music teacher who sold school-owned band instruments gives up license

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:50:00 +0000

OLENTANGY SCHOOLS
Music teacher who sold school-owned band instruments gives up license
Man sold school's instruments on auction-site eBay
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:05 AM
BY JENNIFER SMITH RICHARDS
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A former Olentangy band director who sold a dozen school-owned band instruments has lost his right to teach in Ohio.
Brian J. Bell resigned from his Hyatts Middle School job in February after paying the school nearly $25,000 for French horns, oboes, piccolo trumpets, a clarinet and a bassoon that had been taken from Olentangy High School.

The State Board of Education accepted Bell's voluntary surrender of his educator license, which formally is considered a permanent revocation, at Sunday's business meeting. The district had reported the theft to the state's educator-misconduct office in February.

It seems Bell sold at least some of the instruments on eBay, where he operated an online business on the side. He was never arrested. The Delaware County sheriff's office considers its investigation closed, and criminal charges never were filed.

Bell couldn't be reached for comment yesterday. Bell's attorney, Robert L. Washburn, said he could not explain his client's actions.

"When I met Brian, it was very difficult to equate the person I was talking to with the conduct. He was a very matter-of-fact, level-headed, impressive young man," Washburn said. "I know he at all times told me that he intended to replace the instruments that he had sold."

In a series of text messages with the high-school band director, who had asked about the instruments' whereabouts, Bell lied and said they had been stolen from his car.

"I think I left my car unlocked one night," Bell said in one message. "I guess I didn't think you would figure out until the end of the year when you did inventory again."

Bell, 27, had worked in the district since 2004. In addition to directing several middle-school bands, he taught guitar and general music at the middle school. He was a percussion instructor at Olentangy High.

The money Bell repaid was set aside to buy replacement instruments, district spokeswoman Karen Truett said.

Also at Sunday's meeting, a teacher who used to work in Columbus and for an online charter school lost his right to teach.

Gerald A. Baker, 40, who the Education Department said lives in Worthington, was convicted twice in 2008 of assault and once of drunken driving; the incidents all occurred in 2007. Baker could not be reached for comment.

Department records show that Baker taught middle-school special education in Columbus schools from 1996 to 2002 and then at TRECA Digital Academy from 2002 to 2005, when he stopped teaching to attend law school.

He was convicted of assault in May 2008 after hitting his wife. In November, he was stopped by police for driving erratically; he then head-butted an officer. Baker said he was suffering an alcoholic blackout.

A conviction for driving under the influence typically won't lead to state action against a teaching license. But assault convictions often will because they are violent offenses and considered "unbecoming the teaching profession."

jsmithrichards@ dispatch.com

Schools Making Music, Arts and Athletics Pay To Play

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Arts thrive as region bucks national trends in education

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Arts thrive as region bucks national trends in education

Buzz up!

By Ken Fibbe, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Photos

click to enlarge

At the Carnegie
Jasmine Goldband /Tribune-Review

About the writer

Ken Fibbe can be reached via e-mail.

Home Delivery

Western Pennsylvania is bucking a national trend depicted in a recent study showing a lackluster picture of arts education, advocates say.

"Pittsburgh routinely outperforms national trends in arts participation," said Mitch Swain, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. "This area has been great at recognizing that the arts is key to the development of creative skills."

A survey of 7,900 eighth-graders by the National Assessment of Educational Progress found they are taking fewer field trips to art museums, a finding underscored by a broader conclusion: there are vast racial and socioeconomic differences in arts learning.

About 16 percent of students said they visited an art museum or gallery at least once with their class last year, down from 22 percent when the survey was last conducted in 1997.

But the number of students and chaperones visiting the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Oakland increased 16 percent between 2007 and 2008, said spokeswoman Ellen James.

"Last year was a robust one with the reopening of the 'Dinosaurs in Their Time' exhibit, and attendance has been great again with lots and lots of kids returning this year," James said.

The survey tested the respondents' knowledge of the arts and found that non-Asian minorities and students from low-income families scored 30 points lower than whites and Asians.

Cornelia Davis, who coordinates the arts and humanities curriculum for Pittsburgh Public Schools, said instructional opportunities are equally available at local schools.

"We keep the amount of art programs and art classes available to kids in wealthy areas on the same scale as kids in poor areas," Davis said.

Davis said art education thrives here, in part, because of widespread support from arts organizations and school officials.

"I have seen arts education in numerous states and countries first hand, and I found that very few places have a unified, collaborative arts education effort from administrators, teachers, museum directors and school boards, like we do here," she said.

Heinz Endowments recently gave $120,000 to Propel Schools to help two of its charter schools start an arts education program that promotes racial tolerance through the arts.

Sarah Tambucci, director of the Downtown-based Arts Education Collaborative, said there is still room for improvement.

"Many times in Pennsylvania schools the only people certified to teach theater classes are the English teachers, so we have still certification issues we need to address," Tambucci said.

Tambucci said arts education could improve with a statewide standardized test.

"The only way we can see how we are doing is to start a formal assessment and once the results are made public, then appropriate funding, and support would follow," Tambucci said. "But sadly, there just isn't a great deal of importance put on art."

The Pennsylvania System of State Assessments, which defines what primary and secondary students should learn each year, tests students in math, reading, writing and science.

Lois Clark, the art and music department chair at Kelly Elementary School in Wilkinsburg, said community interest in the school district's music program has skyrocketed since March, when it received a $90,000 grant from VH1's Save the Music Foundation.

Clark said the money was used to hire a band director, buy more musical instruments and expand the marching band to include fourth- through sixth-graders.

"We now have a new impetus to improve the quality and quantity of our music program, something that is always needed," Clark said.

More on NAEP

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:36:00 +0000

The USA Today Article - http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-06-15-naeparts_N.htm - headlines that that half of the 8th graders in the study could not correctly identify the clarinet as the first instrument to be heard in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

This Courtesy of ArtsBlog - http://blog.artsusa.org/2009/06/16/naep-arts-released-today/

The National Assessment Governing Board released the 2008 NAEP Arts, which presents the educational progress of eighth-grade students nationally in visual arts and music.

Theatre and dance were not surveyed because of budget restrictions and difficulty in previous years finding enough theater and dance classes to yield reliable results. In addition, the questions that assessed student creation of music were eliminated for budget reasons.

In both music and visual arts,

Average responding scores were higher for White and Asian/Pacific Islander students than Black and Hispanic students. The pattern was the same for the visual arts creating task scores.
Female students had a higher average responding score than male students. Female students had a higher average creating task score in visual arts.
Students who were eligible for free/reduced price school lunch had a lower average responding score and a lower average creating task score in visual arts than those who were not eligible.
City students scored lower than suburban, town and rural students.

Additional findings included the following:

Eight percent of surveyed schools do not offer music instruction. Fourteen percent of schools do not offer visual arts classes.
Eight percent of surveyed schools offer music instruction less than once a week. Ten percent of schools offer visual arts instruction less than once a week.
Fifty-seven percent of eighth-graders in 2008 attended schools where students received music instruction at least three or four times a week.
Forty-seven percent of eighth-graders in 2008 attended schools where students received visual arts instruction at least three or four times a week.

Although this survey is not designed to assess the frequency of instruction (unlike the 2012 F.R.S.S. in the arts will do), today’s press release began with the headline, “Frequency of Arts Instruction Remains Steady Since 1997 on the Nation’s Report Card in Music and Visual Arts.”

If you have questions, please contact Narric Rome, nrome@artsusa.org or 202.371.2830.

NAEP Released - Secretary of Education Response

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASES
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Results of NAEP Arts 2008 Assessment

FOR RELEASE:
June 15, 2009

Contact: David Thomas, Justin Hamilton
(202) 401-1576
or justin.hamilton@ed.gov

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released the following statement today regarding results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Arts 2008 assessment of Music and Visual Arts at Grade 8:

These results are important for several reasons. First, they remind us that the arts are a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students. The arts are also important to American students gaining the 21st century skills they will need to succeed in higher education and the global marketplace – skills that increasingly demand creativity, perseverance, and problem solving combined with performing well as part of a team.

The results also remind us that learning in the arts can and should be rigorous and based on high standards, and that it can be evaluated objectively, using well-designed measures.

This Arts Report Card should challenge all of us to make K-12 arts programs more available to America’s children and youth. Such programs not only engage students’ creativity and academic commitment today, but they uniquely equip them for future success and fulfillment. We can and should do better for America’s students.

###

Schuylkill Valley may drop violin experiment

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Music) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000

6/2/2009

Last Update: 6/2/2009 12:22:00 AM

Schuylkill Valley may drop violin experiment

Without $50,000 grant, district will drop effort to see if lessons improve test scores

By Greta Cuyler

Reading Eagle

Without $50,000 by June 30, the Schuylkill Valley School District will disband its four-year study to see if violin lessons boost student performance on standardized tests, Superintendent Solomon Lausch said.

The district launched the program in September, providing violin lessons to all 130 kindergartners in the elementary school. The in-school lessons were expected to continue until the children finished third grade.

The school board supports the program as long as district taxpayers don't pay the cost.

After looking for funding from federal grants, arts organizations and local donors, Lausch said he hasn't come up with the money to keep the violin program afloat.

Without the resources, it's likely the project will die after just one year.

"I don't know whether it will have an impact," Lausch said of the program. "But unless we truly ask the question on a significant enough scale over a significant amount of time, we will never know."

The $70,000 used this year was available because the state Department of Education awarded Schuylkill Valley additional funding for Title I reading instruction, which freed money from elsewhere in the budget.

But no additional Title I money is expected for 2009-10, and all of the district's stimulus money is earmarked for special education or reading instruction, Lausch said.

Educators believe there's a correlation between music education and academic performance.

What they don't know is which comes first: Do students who play musical instruments tend to do better in school, or do some high-achieving students tend to gravitate toward music?

Schuylkill Valley started the violin lessons in kindergarten with the idea of continuing them through third grade, which is when students take the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, or PSSA test, for the first time.

Educators would then compare the violin learners' PSSA scores to those of students who took the test in prior years.

Lausch said he doesn't blame anyone for the program's possible demise, and that he is grateful the district was able to secure funding for at least one year.

"It's just a shame from my point of view," he said. "Very little of this kind of research is done in the social sciences, where controlled research is done over several years."

Contact Greta Cuyler: 610-371-5042 or gcuyler@readingeagle.com.