Group seeks to boost music programs

by Sadie L. Evans

In the fall of 2007, a group of parents gathered in the choir room at Logansport High School to talk about their children’s music programs. In a few short weeks, the mantle of responsibility was passed on to fresh faces and the Logansport Music Boosters began its new period of growth.

What has emerged and evolved is a cohesive group of people dedicated to bringing music to the forefront of our community, their purpose to support, encourage and promote the music education and activities of students in high school and middle school bands, high school and middle school choirs, the Berryettes and color guard.

Their goals are to support and assist the directors in their endeavors to educate students in the art of music, to bring community awareness to the achievements of the students and the Logansport music programs, to foster a sense of pride and spirit in the performing groups, and to provide financial support to the music programs through fundraising.

While the focus is primarily on the high school and middle school groups, they hope to extend their support to the elementary grade levels in the future with the strong belief that music education should begin early.

This is only a minimized description of what the goals of the Logansport Music Boosters are. Utilizing individual strengths in the organization, the group is able to voice its advocacy of music in a variety of ways. For example, a couple of members were instrumental in organizing, cleaning and fitting the high school band uniforms, shoes and hats. There are members working on the non-profit status for the organization.

The music boosters recently hosted their second annual tailgate party, which was a large success. Other boosters are committed to finding a solution acceptable to all parties involved to provide transportation for the instruments when traveling. The common theme is that each individual feels strongly that music needs to be a part of our children’s education in one way or another. Why is this so important to the Logansport Music Boosters?

There is no greater answer to that question than “our children”; music provides an opportunity for students to develop and apply reading, language and math skills in a relevant way. Music contributes not only to their intellectual development, but their personal and social development as well. It teaches that through hard work and persistence, you will achieve success; it reinforces positive self-esteem, fosters self-empowerment and helps students develop thinking, analysis, and social skills that are basic elements to achieve success in school, a work environment and life. Studies have proven that music increases academic achievement, improves student behavior and attendance, and increases teacher satisfaction.

On a more emotional level, music is a way to be very self-expressive. It crosses language and ethnic barriers, encouraging tolerance and acceptance of those differences. Through music, we may discover what it is that our children are passionate about. It evokes a wide range of emotions, can act as a catalyst for social change, and brings people together. Music is a bridge that spans all gaps. Why is it that we still listen to the music of Beethoven nearly 200 years after his death? Because music is immortal.

What a powerful tool we have here in our community that has been overshadowed for too long, our musically talented children and students! As a community, we have a duty to our youth to demonstrate support and enthusiasm for their talents and passions. Shouldn’t the vision for the future of Logansport include an avenue for the students to showcase their abilities? It is an opportunity for young musical artists to have a purpose, to take pride in what they are learning, and will benefit them in a number of ways. In addition, a strong music program will be a tremendous asset to the economy of Logansport. According to a 1996 American Arts Alliance Fact Sheet, “The arts create jobs, increase the local tax base, boost tourism, spur growth in related businesses (hotels, restaurants, printing, etc.) and improve the overall quality of life for our cities and towns. On a national level, nonprofit arts institutions and organizations generate an estimated $37 billion in economic activity and return $3.4 billion in federal income taxes to the U.S. Treasury each year.”

As Logansport continues to re-invent itself, awareness of this wonderful resource couldn’t come at a better time. The Logansport Music Boosters believe in the power of music, the need for it in our schools, and will continue to strive for community support of the Logansport Music Programs. To see what they are up to, please visit them at www.logansportmusicboosters.org.

Sadie L. Evans is secretary of the Logansport Music Boosters.

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