Music is a critical component of a good overall education. Historically, the Edmonds School District has had a very strong and highly recognized music program. That program is seriously endangered by recent decisions which are projected to remove beginning instrumental music programs from sixth grade, among other cuts. Those cuts would have the same long-term impact on student learning as would the elimination of first grade and trying to start a general education with second grade. A solid foundation is critical to the continuum of learning any subject matter.
Music is important to everyone; performing it is critical to many. We cannot let Edmonds’ outstanding music program be lost. Your support for the next school year is needed by making contributions through the Foundation for Edmonds School District’s drive (Save the Arts – Foundation ESD), and that is a very important action. Your long-term support is critical by working with the board and administration to educate them and gain their commitment to fund music equitably on a permanent basis. Donate now for the immediate future; advocate continually for a permanent solution. Click here to read the article on My Edmonds News.
Bruce Caldwell
Edmonds School District music educator (retired)
Washington Music Educators Association executive director (retired)
Julie SecristHi Bruce/Mr. Caldwell- I was never a great flute player, but being part of your band had a profoundly positive impact in my life. For a teenager trying to find her place in the world, band was a place to belong. I had Big experiences in band- marching in Husky stadium, playing for football games, and even getting trapped by Mount St. Helen’s on the way back from marching in a parade. Life shaping, positive experiences beyond just music education which has value in itself.Reply
Bruce CaldwellThank you, Julie. I’m so glad you felt like you belonged, because you did. Enjoy the memories.Reply
Barb Goodfellow ChildsI would like to echo Julie’s comment. Also a mediocre flute/piccolo player a couple years ahead of her, I too found community among my fellow band mates. Music, as a subject, has great value to all students. That goes without saying. Another huge benefit is that, by virtue of need for collaboration, music classes, as well as visual and other performing arts classes create safe community for students. Like sports, these classes allow students of different interests to connect with each other, something sorely lacking in today’s school environments. The proof of their importance beyond curriculum in building community can be seen at any reunion where bandmates, singers, theater kids, sports teammates all gravitate towards each other and reminisce about their experiences. You never see huddles of algebra or English class alum chatting, though all the band, orchestra etc students took those classes, too. Where all curriculum is important for a well-rounded education, music benefits students and the community far beyond learning what a treble clef and a scale is. Our students, our future community, deserve better and it is our responsibility to see they get these important school experiences. (WHS 1979 Band alum, former ESD Community Arts Program Coordinator before funding cuts of 2023)Reply
Bruce CaldwellThank you for your clarity about the value of the arts, Barb. ALso, thanks for your years in the WHS Band.Reply
Vivian OlsonThank you to Deb Brandi and the Board of the Edmonds School District Foundation for always stepping up to whatever the needs are for our community’s kids. Over the years I have developed a deep and growing respect for this organization and their good work. And thank you to the community for your support. It made a big impact last year and saved the music programming. Together we will do it again.
Bruce CaldwellThank you, Julie. I’m so glad you felt like you belonged, because you did. Enjoy the memories.Reply
Barb Goodfellow ChildsI would like to echo Julie’s comment. Also a mediocre flute/piccolo player a couple years ahead of her, I too found community among my fellow band mates. Music, as a subject, has great value to all students. That goes without saying. Another huge benefit is that, by virtue of need for collaboration, music classes, as well as visual and other performing arts classes create safe community for students. Like sports, these classes allow students of different interests to connect with each other, something sorely lacking in today’s school environments. The proof of their importance beyond curriculum in building community can be seen at any reunion where bandmates, singers, theater kids, sports teammates all gravitate towards each other and reminisce about their experiences. You never see huddles of algebra or English class alum chatting, though all the band, orchestra etc students took those classes, too. Where all curriculum is important for a well-rounded education, music benefits students and the community far beyond learning what a treble clef and a scale is. Our students, our future community, deserve better and it is our responsibility to see they get these important school experiences. (WHS 1979 Band alum, former ESD Community Arts Program Coordinator before funding cuts of 2023)Reply
Vivian OlsonThank you to Deb Brandi and the Board of the Edmonds School District Foundation for always stepping up to whatever the needs are for our community’s kids. Over the years I have developed a deep and growing respect for this organization and their good work. And thank you to the community for your support. It made a big impact last year and saved the music programming. Together we will do it again.