The Music Education Program of the Howard County Public School System prepares all students to meet the requirements of state and national music education standards. These standards are organized to develop skills in four broad areas: perceiving and responding; historical, cultural, and social context; creative expression and production; and aesthetic criticism.

      All students in grades one through eight learn about music through an articulated curriculum based on the four broad areas of development. High school students may elect to participate in performance and non-performance music courses. Students can participate in music enrichment experiences that extend the regular curriculum, such as attending a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and participating in various festivals - both locally and regionally. The music education program offers elective wind and percussion instrumental music instruction in grades four through twelve and elective string instruction in grades three through twelve.

      At all levels, the goal of music education is to enable students to meet rigorous performance standards. This is accomplished by providing challenging curriculum and assessments in a stimulating learning environment. Through the Music Education Program, the unique and special abilities of children are developed.

      Music benefits the overall learning process of every child. Research studies reveal that more areas of the brain are involved when children are engaged in music (Frank Wilson, 1999)ⁱ. Utilizing a holistic approach to learning allows educators to incorporate strategies that impact student achievement.

      In accordance with the school system's Key Results Areas and the long-range plan for the Fine Arts, program effectiveness is determined through collection and interpretation of data showing continual improvement in:

• numbers of students in advanced courses;
• numbers of students who qualify for the after school and Gifted and Talented ensembles; and,
• participation and achievement in festivals and adjudications.

Philosophy

      The Music Education Program of the Howard County Public School System is a vital component of the total education a student receives. Through the study of music, all students develop knowledge and skills that prepare them to experience the power of music in human existence. Students discover music as a unique form of communication and as a means of self-expression not afforded by any other discipline. They learn of the universal role of music in the transmission of culture and the chronicling of history.

      The study of music gives children a broadened world vision and an appreciation of other points of view. As a performing art, music builds self-discipline and promotes self-esteem in ways that are not inherent in other curricular offerings. Because of the ordered nature of the elements of music, students learn to think with increased complexity; because of the creative potential in music, they learn to think in divergent ways.

Website designed and maintained by Andrew B. Spang.
Last updated August 31, 2008.