It is a strange and trying time for all of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand times are tough for you, as it is for us. We have been proud to bring School Band & Orchestra for free for more than two decades and we will continue to provide you with free subscriptions during the pandemic. However, we would like your consideration in these difficult times to help support our efforts here at School Band & Orchestra to keep our information flowing and to provide you with a continuous stream of current and vital information when you need it the most.
It is with the utmost sincerity we ask you to consider supporting our efforts here with a small donation which will allow our staff the ability to keep these interesting stories about your chosen career coming to you in a consistent and timely basis. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. We at School Band & Orchestra wish nothing but the best for you, your school, your family and co-workers. We hope you continue to remain healthy during this most strenuous of times.
By Christian Wissmuller
School Band and Orchestra’s sixth annual music student essay contest attracted the most entries since the launch of our program, with well over 13,000 submissions. This year’s topic, “How Music Education Has Made Me a Better Student,” spoke to the far-reaching benefits of music scholarship on young lives – a topic which has been covered at length in many media outlets, including this one.
Our participants’ stories reinforced and confirmed longstanding assertions made by advocates for music education. Among other things, students shared how studying music: leads to greater academic achievement in all areas; fosters self-confidence and social skills; provides a valuable emotional outlet; and strengthens organizational and leadership skills.