Klarinet Archive - Posting 000489.txt from 1997/10

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: music ed questions
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 18:06:55 -0400

Gary VanCott=NHIN
10/12/97 03:06 PM
I grew up in Southern California and when I started (40 years ago) our
school district started the elementary instrumental music program in fourth
grade (although not for all instruments). We had one instructor for seven
elementary schools who was absolutely terrific and taught a generation of
kids every instrument in the band and orchestra. Following the first year
of instruction, you were in the elementary band and the best wind players
and percussionists were also in the elementary orchestra (along with the
string players, of course). These met in alternate weeks and we went by bus
to the only elementary school that had an adequate place for us to
rehearse. At that time, I think most Southern California school districts
started their programs in fourth or fifth grade.

Here in Las Vegas the instrumental music program starts in sixth grade
which is the first year of middle school. It seems to be reasonably
successful, although in my opinion the percentage of kids taking private
lessons is much too low (probably less than five percent).

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV