Music -- It's not just "one more thing"

I'm sure a lot of you have kids who are involved in many activities -- many that are not performance-oriented -- and you sometimes think, "I just can't do one more thing." And then Junior wants to learn another instrument, audition for a show, join choir... But music isn't "just one more thing" to shoehorn into an already-busy schedule! And I know you know that. But it can be hard to keep sight of that in an over-busy life -- your child's, your family's, and your own personal life!

School Band and Orchestra magazine, which goes out to teachers, published an open letter to parents last year about the value of musical instruction. The letter, which you can see at http://www.sbomagazine.com/8190/featured/sbo-guest-editorial-an-open-letter-to-parents/#comment-3321, makes several good arguments about music's importance in a child's life. Better test scores, leadership training, learning to work cooperatively -- and having fun! -- are some of the benefits. I know we've seen this in our family for Greg, and hope that Andy reaps some of these benefits as he starts his first musical activity.

Every time Greg tells me he's decided to take up another instrument -- and another, and another -- I roll my eyes (tenor sax, guitar, bass, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica, keyboard, and the latest is drums). But I know that it keeps him fresh and interested, gives him a better understanding of music theory, opens up doors to new performance opportunities (he hasn't had any formal piano training, but plays well enough to be asked to play piano for an improv company; he played sax, guitar and clarinet in a musical's pit band over the summer); and widens his repertoire. 

Read the letter! You may learn something about the value of musical instruction that you didn't already know. And maybe it will help you to support your child when they want to add "one more thing."

Supporting your young performers -- it's more than just you!

I'm a cheerleader, a financier, a chauffeur, a teacher, an audience... I'm the parent of performers. You are too, all of those, I'm sure! And I'm happy to do it. I enjoy the results, I love hearing the singing around the house, I even (and don't tell Greg) sort of get a kick out of the drums.

And I sincerely appreciate the other supporters my performers -- and yours -- have. The teachers they have had have all been terrific, encouraging people (Ben, Kristina, Matt, Chris - hope you're all reading this!). I'm grateful for the opportunities they've provided to all of the kids in their programs, from setting up extra concert opportunities, planning Broadway in Chicago nights, finding outside experts to do workshops and clinics.

This weekend is one of those excellent opportunities -- it's Theatre Fest, held yearly, for Illinois drama students, and this year it's at Illinois State University. High school drama students from around Illinois will have the chance to see performances by other high school students, attend workshops, and have the opportunity to audition for college program reps. The big news for our high school this year is that our wonderful director, Ben Stoner, was selected to direct the All-State show (Almost, Maine), which features the talents of outstanding students from all over the state. I wish we all had the chance to see this! (And I want pictures from Theatre Fest!)

So, you parent cheerleaders, give a cheer to the teachers and coaches that also work with your performer. While we, as parents, are (hopefully, because I know there are kids out there who don't have parental support) the first and best supporters, our kids have a better chance of success and enjoyment if they have lots of excellent support outside of the home as well. Thank you to all of them!