Klarinet Archive - Posting 000175.txt from 1997/08

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: How young is too young? (II)
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 11:55:27 -0400

Gary VanCott=NHIN
08/06/97 08:55 AM
>> It has also been the subject of a study that people who start earlier
than 6 grade do not show anymore of an improvement over those who start in
6th.

I have also had this study quoted to me by an elementary school music
teacher when I questioned why the instrumental music school program here in
Las Vegas didn't start until 6th grade. It is my understanding that the
result of the study was that students reached the same level of proficiency
(at the end of high school?) regardless of what grade (presumably 4-7) they
started in. I am willing to accept that this is true, but would you rather
have an 8th grade band made up of students who had played for one year or
four years?

Something I am curious about is if starting in elementary school versus
middle school makes any difference in the percentage of kids participating
and in attrition. Does starting later make for larger high school music
programs, smaller, or is there no difference?

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV
Gary_VanCott@-----.com