This section of the website is dedicated to personal stories of being part of the strong tradition of music in education within the Brainerd School system. Testimonials of how these opportunities have benefited the lives of those who participated in band and choir at Brainerd.
Please send your submissions to: shelly.satre@digitalmediadesignltd.com
Thank you!
Opinion Editorial Posted in the Brainerd Dispatch on 3/28/08:
It's come to this. Brainerd School District music lovers are passing the hat to fund salaries for two endangered music educators who otherwise would lose their positions because of budget cuts and seniority rules.
That's no way to run a school district, but in light of November's failed operating levy referendum there are few options if the current quality of music education is going to be retained.
Music Matters is spearheading a drive to raise $100,000 by April 15 for a music program that had the recently hired high school band and choir directors with low seniority status placed on unrequested leaves of absence. The organizers of the fundraising group urge interested people to give generously, since music is such a vitally important part of education.
Maintaining the quality of the Brainerd School District's music program is a worthwhile cause and we encourage an already beleaguered public to donate to the fund if at all possible. The appreciation of music is more than an "extra" class for students to fill out their schedule - it's skill that can bring a lifetime of pleasure to those who embrace it.
Those who can help are urged to send a check to Music Matters, P.O. Box 234, Brainerd, Minn., 56401. The money will be collected and donated to Brainerd Public School Foundation to be given to the school district to prevent the planned music education cuts.
Confusion is natural with the number of well-meaning organizations seeking funds for Brainerd School District's kids. While Warrior Way Inc. is raising money for music activities after the school day, the focus of Music Matters is to supplement the cost of the music programs that are taught as part of the curriculum.
Music Matters members are hopeful that with expected retirements next year , their fundraising will be a one-time effort.
Whether it's paid for by taxes or individual contributions, quality education doesn't come cheap. The school district's current plight is an opportunity for taxpayers to demonstrate what value they place on a top-notch education.
I am a music teacher in the Brainerd district. Music is obviously very important to me, but I want to talk about the experiences my children have had in the Brainerd high school music program. Both my children were members of A Cappella Choir and Windfall; one was also in band, while the other was in jazz band and AP Music Theory. In addition to being the best part of their school day and instilling a love for music; these experiences taught them discipline, patience, perseverance, cooperation, and pride in hard work and a job well done. I know their musical experiences have been instrumental (pardon the pun) in making them the successful young adults they are.
I sincerely hope Music Matters is successful and we are able to retain our excellent high school directors. It truly does make a difference who is in those positions. They not only must be excellent musicians but must be able to connect with high school students to maintain the high standards of our current program. The music program at Forestview will also benefit if Music Matter is successful; staff will be able to stay there and provide more quality teaching time to students. We must have that "feeder" program of classroom experiences and performance opportunities available to our Middle School students
As it currently stands, there will be no more elementary choir. 5th graders will not be able to be in choir, band, or orchestra. All other students will have to choose one and only one musical performance group. And let's be honest. We know it is very difficult to have kids start in a new performance group when they are a year or more behind everyone else. If more staff are available, perhaps students will be able to be in more than one performance group. I believe it is a travesty to ask 11 year-old children to decide choir, band, or orchestra with no chance to try more than one. My children and our family would have had an extremely difficult decision if there was only one chance.
My children have received so many opportunities and blessings through their music participation. I only hope it is available to ALL children in our schools.
Sue Johnson
I graduated from Brainerd High School in 2006. I am currently a sophomore music education major at Concordia College in Moorhead , Minnesota. It has come to my attention that the BHS music program is to lose 2 teaching positions during the next academic school year; this is a tragedy. While in high school, I was a member of the Symphonic Band, the A Cappella Choir, Windfall, and the AP Music Theory class. Both my ensemble and classroom experience in the music department at BHS has prepared me for college more than I can say; I was allowed to skip one semester of Music Theory here, and I have been very successful in ear training as a direct result of my experiences in high school. BHS has been blessed for many years with an outstanding music program recognized across the state. Cutting these positions will essentially destroy the reputation that Brainerd has been building for the last thirty years. There exists a group in the community that is trying to save the music program; its name is Music Matters. This group is attempting to raise the $100,000 necessary to maintain both teaching positions. If you have ever heard the Star Spangled Banner sung at a football game or the pep band play at a basketball game, I implore you to support the department that trains these musicians. If you would like to donate, please go to www.brainerdmusicmatters.org.
Thank you,
Crystal
I was a 1995 graduate of BHS, and during my time in the Brainerd School District, I participated in both the choir and band programs. I can't imagine what school would have been like without these opportunities to learn about and make music. For many students, these programs have fostered a life-long love of music. I am sure that there are countless others like me that are still involved in musical endeavors as adults because of the learning that started in school. Today I participate in both the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota and the Central Lakes College Community Band.
I'm asking that you please consider making a contribution to Music Matters so that our schools can continue their tradition of growing future musicians.
Nicole Groneberg McGillis
