Band Classes Research Paper

What if there was a class you could take where you could get a break from everyday schoolwork or just be as loud as possible? Of course you would still be learning and you would be loud to a certain degree. In a typical band class, a student would learn how to read and play music. Band classes are sometimes seen as just that and nothing more. The reality of it is that band classes, especially in middle school, teach more than just how to play a B flat. Band classes show students a way of life with many advantages and valuable life lessons.

Before any students actually start their music education, students in USD 443 start learning about music class opportunities in fourth grade. Erik Cooke-Stone, a second year band teacher at CMS, says, “Fourth

One of the more notable short term benefits includes students getting “a release from their normal school schedule,” says Richins. The students get a break from sitting down and reading or studying by blowing air through their instruments as loud as they want, to a certain degree. Richins went on to say that he enjoys watching middle school students be aware of what they’re doing, and whether or not they’re doing it right. “I’ll see a student look around after playing a part wrong and trying to figure out the correct fingering for the note,” said Richins. The ability for students to notice that they’re doing something wrong and trying to figure out how to fix it is an important skill. Other short term benefits include friendships. Cooke-Stone says that middle school band “helps identify students with people.” Band classes have a variety of personalities ranging from quiet and studious students to outspoken and loud students. Band connects a diverse group of people who have the same interests or even who play the same instrument. Most of the time, students become friends because they’re in the same classes, but once they’re not, that friendship doesn’t always stay. Cooke-Stone commented, “The connection with the left and right side of the brain can also be a benefit.” This connection helps with the ability to recognize patterns and improves short term memory within the