Program attracts budding musicians

By Charlotte McDevitt

Music is very significant part of a child’s education, but music education is often one of the first academic areas cut during budget negotiations. Botelle School was recently forced to eliminate their stringed instrument program, but band class at the school is still ongoing.

A very encouraging note for students interested in instrumental music is that Northwestern Regional 7 has an exceptional band program. The Middle School band program is run by Mr. Jim Lesieur, and the High School band program is run by Mr. Steve Zimmerman. Incoming students are encouraged to try band or continue it if they already play. Many kids, in fact, continue on.

Currently, there are 86 students in the Middle School Band, and a wide variety of instruments are represented. There are oboes, flutes, clarinets, bass clarinets, alto saxophones, baritone saxophones, trumpets, french horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, basses and percussion.

When asked what makes Northwestern so ahead of the game in the music department, Mr. Lesieur replied that this may be due in part to the fact that the middle school band program shares staff with the high school and they often practice together. This gives the students the opportunity to learn from their peers who may have more musical experience.

The percentage of students who participate in the music program is above both the state and national averages for middle and high schools. Northwestern’s music program also ranks in the top 5 percent for musical education for high school and middle school. Lesieur and Zimmerman both stress that their approach for student success is to focus on each student’s individual growth with the goal of helping them reach their full potential.

For more information about the Northwestern Regional 7 instrumental music program, go to www.nwr7.com/high-school/academics/music.

Photo by Savage Frieze.