Music programs important part of holiday for students

Area students are excited about getting ready for their school music programs

Ms. Robin Crawford's 3rd grade class at West Elementary is preparing for the music program on Dec. 6, with robust enthusiasm. A feeling shared by the students, the parents, and teachers.

It is the same enthusiasm exhibited for the school district's music program at all levels.

"Exciting, sometimes," said Mitch Aguirre, a student of Crawford's. "Embarrassing. 'Cuz if you mess up your parents are watching," said Tayde Rodriguez.

The students practice and dress up for the occasion. "I sit on a stool to get my hair ready," said Rhyan Kelley. "My mom helps me practice and gets me to look pretty," said Hailey Woods.

Music class for elementary students is held every other day for 30 minutes to one hour. And each student practices from 30 minutes to an hour at home with their parents.

"More parents attend musicals versus parent-teacher conferences," said Crawford.

"Interest in music is on the rise," said Blake Olmstead, the school district's music director, who has held that position for 22 years. "I've noticed the increase in interest of students, teachers and parents. The music program receives strong support from the school administration and the community."

"The music program's agenda is to teach discipline, strive for excellence, teamwork, to become discriminate listeners, and encouragement to like music through life and to encourage those to follow their music ambition." said Olmstead.

"It definitely promotes enthusiasm," said Crawford. "On Tuesday, we had a meeting next door to my class. And, while in that meeting, one student started to sing and the other students joined in. It was nice. Instead of misbehaving in my absence, they sang."

Each shows their support in different ways through attendance or their time. The students participate in nine fundraisers. They are currently taking orders for fresh oranges and grapefruits. They are hoping to raise enough money to attend the Heritage Festival at Anaheim, Calif., on April 16.

"Raising money is difficult," said Olmstead. "Especially at these gas prices. The total cost to send 165 kids is $63,000, including food and lodging. That breaks down to approximately $420 per student."

Six choirs will be sent from the high school -- the Madrigal (Renaissance), Jazz, Men's, two Treble choirs and a mix of men and women. Twelve songs are to be performed.

The benefits mean more to Olmstead than the awards. "They get to perform at a higher level, hear other choirs and it exposes them to other things."

School district music program instructors are: Base, Ethan Lane; East Elementary, Kenda Schroeder; North Elementary, Robin Milligan; West Elementary, Bobbie Lockett; Hacker Middle School, Mona Jackson; MHJH/MHHS band, Jerry Tippets; MHJH/MHHS choir, Blake Olmstead.