Teamwork

Ms. White's Class
Sierramont Middle School. San Jose, California



My friend Stephen is a musician, producer and recording engineer. I accompanied him to San Jose today to record the performances of Sierramont Middle School’s music department, comprised of three orchestras and a choir. Their teacher is the estimable Ms. White.

18% of Sierramont students take a musical elective, whether it be choir or orchestral practice, and it was inspiring to watch these youngsters singing and playing their hearts out (admittedly for school credit.) The school orchestras applied themselves with impressive concentration, and as the school choir sang, their faces were filled with joy.

A sign on the wall of Ms. White‘s class reads ‘Teamwork: Listening, thinking, working together’, and that seemed to sum things up pretty well.

Early musical training is of immense benefit to young minds. It helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning, and students who study the arts receive higher grades and are more successful on standardized tests.

Students of the arts also learn to think creatively and to reject outdated assumptions. Since studying the arts exposes children to other cultures, it teaches them to be empathetic towards others.

In addition, students of music learn craftsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and the concrete rewards of hard work. Crucially, music performance teaches youngsters to conquer fear and take risks, providing them with a means of self-expression.

The dedication of Ms.White was an inspiration. I wish I had had a music teacher like her when I was a teen. This energetic and committed educator moved to San Jose from the American midwest in order to communicate a love of music and foster a sense of co-operation among her students. I must say she has succeeded admirably, and I am certain she will soon be adding to the impressive collection of trophies already decorating the shelves of her music room.