Students learn cooperation, respect for others, and the value of hard work and practice while participating in band and choir.
Band and choir are also an important component of building school spirit and pride in our school.
By making deep cuts to the instrumental and vocal music programs in Orion, the impact will be seen in the loss of Special Edition Choir and Jazz Band. These extracurricular groups provide students the opportunity to study and practice the different styles of music.
Because of this experience, many of our band and choir students perform with groups outside of the school setting, such as local bands and the Quad Cities Music Guild.
These extra-curricular activities provide students with experiences that teach collaborative skills, improve leadership skills and allow students to share their talents with the community.
They have the chance to share their talents by performing at the CECO Senior Citizens dinner, Jazz in the Park and Festival of Trees.
The value of giving back to the community is something we all want our students to learn and our music programs reinforce those activities.
Marching band and colorguard will also be impacted if we have a part-time band instructor.
Band camp will be affected, as will performances at home football games and parades.
Our color guard squad operates under the supervision of the band director, and may therefore not be able to practice or perform if the director is only available on a part-time basis.
Our marching band has participated in marching competitions, providing not only the opportunity to perform but to see other bands. These experiences may not be available if staff time is reduced.
Our band and choir students also compete in the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s and Illinois Music Educators Association’s state solo, ensemble and large organizational contests each year.
The directors spend extra time with students as they prepare for district and state IMEA activities as well as preparing for solo and ensemble contest. If their positions are reduced to part time, those activities will not be available for our students.
Orion High School has a rich history of musical theater productions. This opportunity typically comes around for the students every other year. These productions require a large time commitment from the directors, as well as the students and parents.
These productions are opportunities for students to learn about the many aspects of musical theater production, including staging, costuming, make-up, props and set building.
If our choir and band directors are reduced to part-time, there may not be an opportunity for our students to participate in a high school musical—an experience that has impacted the career choices of many OHS students.
Teresa Wyant, Orion Music Boosters
