As the first Band Captain at Cosumnes Oaks High School I helped organize a week long “Prelude Camp” to be held in January, 2011. We had invited young musicians, grades 4-6, from area elementary schools in order to prepare them for the middle school band program, provide them with the opportunity to play with a full band comprised of peers and more experienced players, and to perform in a state of the art performing arts center. This activity was not only be a learning event for the “campers,” but for the teens in the Cosumnes Oaks High School Band who would help teach some of the kids in a one on one setting, as well
During the planning process I had: met with the Band Booster Board to solicit support; formed and met with a committee of adults and students in order to figure out goals and to make sure we have the facilities and personnel needed; organized with my high school National Honor Society chapter to get additional volunteer; created a pamphlet advertising the event; and contacted local elementary school band directors. As I was getting closer to the actual camp, I had to drive around town to deliver the pamphlets and registration forms to the various elementary schools in the area.
This experience was enlightening in many ways i had not expected. A lot has changed in California since I was in elementary school. The music programs are nonexistent as part of the curriculum, if you want to be part of the “band” you have to pay $120 to $300 a month to participate for just two, two hour blocks a week after school. I say “band” because it is nothing near a full ensemble. I hope to be able to create a new future for music education in California. I believe that it is a necessity for elementary schools to have music as course. I know it is a lofty goal and one that i will not be able to accomplish alone, but i will still pursue it. In the next few years i will be attending MSU for the purpose of gaining knowledge to further this goal.
rjmorgester 