Nice Article about th SGS Band-Aids in the Times Press today
Nov 16, 2013 8:43:22 GMT -6
evaryman and Lucky1 like this
Post by bt on Nov 16, 2013 8:43:22 GMT -6
SGS Band-Aids is applying emergency care to the Streator Grade School band program.
After Streator Elementary District 44 cut funding for the band in early 2013 for budgetary reasons, a group of parents, educators and community members has come together to keep music in Streator grade schools.
With $90,000 needed, 20 to 60 regular members are working to sustain the band program for the 2014-2015 school year.
Band Director and member of SGS Band-Aids Brian Cox said the benefits of the band program are multi-faceted.
"Learning to read, write and play music requires the development of an advanced skill set no different than what is expected from reading, writing and math classes," Cox said. "There are many articles that state the benefit to playing an instrument and the increase in math scores.
"It takes discipline when beginning to play. A student must work through different sounds and rhythms, sometimes they fail, but what they learn about themselves is how to overcome failures and that hard work can produce positive results. If we eliminate band classes, we might as well eliminate all other classes that have an advanced section to them, such as math, science and reading."
Band member Katelyn Coons said the importance of band in members' lives cannot be understated.
"Some students do not have the best home life, and the band director is a student mentor, and playing an instrument is a release of energy for kids," Coons said. "Playing an instrument is a creative release, it is a way to be able to express your feelings."
Cox said students are graded for band class and are required to practice at home, attend group practices at school and attend lessons during their school day. Coons noted the teamwork and dedication in the band environment also enhance the students' experience.
"Some kids feel left out, because they are not part of a social group," she said. "Band is their social group, that is alcohol- and drug-free."
About 160 students in grades five through eight are part of the band program. The band performed at a Streator Township High School football game and the Veterans Day service at City Park, and will play at the Light Up Streator Event Saturday, Nov. 30.
The band's winter concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the Northlawn Junior High School gymnasium. The band will march in parades this year, and perform twice in the City Park Band Shell, with performances at Wal-Mart and Kroger near Christmas.
"Music is something all humans can enjoy," Cox said. "I've heard many adults say they wish they could play an instrument, however I've never heard anyone say they regret learning to play one."
Get involved!
•Visit the Band-Aids Facebook page “SGS Band-Aids” and like them to keep up to date on progress.
•The next meeting for SGS Band–Aids is 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 5 in the Streator Township High School Band Room. Any member of the community is invited and welcome to attend.
•Donations may be sent to: SGS Band-Aids, 202 E. First St. Streator, Il. 61364
•The main fundraiser for this school year is a Live and Silent Auction, March 1, 2014 at the Polish National Alliance Hall. To donate an item for the auction, contact Brian Cox at Northlawn at 815-672-4558.
After Streator Elementary District 44 cut funding for the band in early 2013 for budgetary reasons, a group of parents, educators and community members has come together to keep music in Streator grade schools.
With $90,000 needed, 20 to 60 regular members are working to sustain the band program for the 2014-2015 school year.
Band Director and member of SGS Band-Aids Brian Cox said the benefits of the band program are multi-faceted.
"Learning to read, write and play music requires the development of an advanced skill set no different than what is expected from reading, writing and math classes," Cox said. "There are many articles that state the benefit to playing an instrument and the increase in math scores.
"It takes discipline when beginning to play. A student must work through different sounds and rhythms, sometimes they fail, but what they learn about themselves is how to overcome failures and that hard work can produce positive results. If we eliminate band classes, we might as well eliminate all other classes that have an advanced section to them, such as math, science and reading."
Band member Katelyn Coons said the importance of band in members' lives cannot be understated.
"Some students do not have the best home life, and the band director is a student mentor, and playing an instrument is a release of energy for kids," Coons said. "Playing an instrument is a creative release, it is a way to be able to express your feelings."
Cox said students are graded for band class and are required to practice at home, attend group practices at school and attend lessons during their school day. Coons noted the teamwork and dedication in the band environment also enhance the students' experience.
"Some kids feel left out, because they are not part of a social group," she said. "Band is their social group, that is alcohol- and drug-free."
About 160 students in grades five through eight are part of the band program. The band performed at a Streator Township High School football game and the Veterans Day service at City Park, and will play at the Light Up Streator Event Saturday, Nov. 30.
The band's winter concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the Northlawn Junior High School gymnasium. The band will march in parades this year, and perform twice in the City Park Band Shell, with performances at Wal-Mart and Kroger near Christmas.
"Music is something all humans can enjoy," Cox said. "I've heard many adults say they wish they could play an instrument, however I've never heard anyone say they regret learning to play one."
Get involved!
•Visit the Band-Aids Facebook page “SGS Band-Aids” and like them to keep up to date on progress.
•The next meeting for SGS Band–Aids is 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 5 in the Streator Township High School Band Room. Any member of the community is invited and welcome to attend.
•Donations may be sent to: SGS Band-Aids, 202 E. First St. Streator, Il. 61364
•The main fundraiser for this school year is a Live and Silent Auction, March 1, 2014 at the Polish National Alliance Hall. To donate an item for the auction, contact Brian Cox at Northlawn at 815-672-4558.