Numbers don’t lie. Children who are enrolled in music education programs generally achieve higher academic performance than those who are not.

Whether it’s learning piano, studio engineering or concert production, the growth of Huntsville’s music ecosystem relies heavily on having a steady pipeline of talent onstage and behind the scenes. That’s why Huntsville’s Music Director, Matt Mandrella, is passionate about promoting music programs, instructors and students.

During Huntsville Music Month, the city hosted music education successes such as the Huntsville Community Drumline, Sierra Hammond at Opera Huntsville, the Jemison High School Band, and nine-year-old violin student Lila Willis.

The Huntsville Music Office also sponsored instrument drives in collaboration with Huntsville City Schools, the Maitland Arts Initiative, and the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation.

“If we are serious about developing a world-class music ecosystem in Huntsville, we need to keep our focus on growing music education programs and making them accessible to people. There is,” said Mandrella. “We already have some really great programs at both the public and private level and it is imperative that our community finds ways to continue to support our instructors and students. It’s great to see them succeed, but they are unlikely to succeed without our support.”

The Huntsville Community Drumline will perform outside City Hall on September 8, 2022.

proof of positivity

Statistics from the Children’s Music Workshop and the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation show that children who study music have better vocabulary and are better at math and spelling. There is also evidence that children who study music have higher enrollment and graduation rates.

Music teacher Rebecca Wortham says that because there are no superstars within a band and all parts must be played, music education builds character and teaches the value of teamwork.

These facts should not surprise Rebecca Wertham or Mario Maitland. A choir and band teacher at Huntsville City Schools, Wertham began teaching music in the late 1980s when he was a sophomore in high school.

Wertham, who took private piano, violin, flute and cello lessons as a child, explains that music education fills empty spaces, forms connections in the brain, and aids pattern recognition, memory, and spatial reasoning. did. More importantly, she said, there are no superstars within the band, which helps build character and teaches the value of teamwork.

“[Students]recognize that music is the great unifying force and the language spoken by all,” she said. I’ve seen students offer hugs and tissues to others when they’re overwhelmed with emotion when they’re in school.

Sierra Hammond of Opera Huntsville will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the city council meeting on September 8, 2022.

change life

Like Wertham, Maitland made an incredible difference in young people taking music lessons. A few years ago he was one of them. Maitland, his CEO and founder of the Maitland Conservatory of Music and a member of the Huntsville Music Commission, said that when Andrea was 12 years old, he began taking lessons at Clark’s School of Music. It didn’t work.

“When I started learning music and got really good at it, I felt confident that I had something I was good at, something that no one else could take away from me,” he said. “I was happy to have my talent praised by his peers and adults.”

Mario Maitland, CEO and founder of the Maitland School of Music and member of the Huntsville Music Commission, began taking lessons at Andrea Clarke’s School of Music when he was 12 years old.

Reflecting on his students over the years, Maitland remembered a former piano student who entered the Maitland Conservatory at the age of 9, unsure of his abilities and shy. The boy’s confidence increased exponentially as he worked through the program and learned new skills.

“By the age of 13, he was music minister in his own church,” Maitland said of the student. He teaches at the Maitland Conservatory and is working on his own album.”

At least one success story is close to Wertham. Her youngest child was born with cerebral atrophy. So he’s missing part of his brain. Despite that challenge he plays the clarinet and when he can’t find the words he expresses himself through music.

Last year, the song submitted to the national competition was recognized. Wertham said winning the award made him feel his son was “as smart as any kid without special needs”.

Nine-year-old violinist Lila Willis smiles as she finishes playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on her violin at the city council meeting on September 22, 2022.

Ecosystem growth

Maitland and Wertham said they share the city’s belief that the success of the music ecosystem depends on the success of its music education programs. But he pointed out that Albert Einstein played the violin and space pioneer John Glenn grew up in a musical family.

“Music, science and math go hand in hand,” she said. “Moreover, a thriving community is one in which multiple interests are represented. We appreciate local music giants like Microwave Dave, whose foundation gives back to local public schools. .”

Maitland said she recognizes that some parents and guardians cannot afford a musical education. That is why the Maitland Conservatory has developed the Maitland Arts Initiative, which provides free scholarships to its students. It also led to the creation of Satellite His Locations to make it easier for parents and students to participate.

When asked what she wanted to convey to parents and guardians about the value of music education, Maitland simply replied that it can deliver exponential academic and emotional results.

“In my case, exposure to music shows in fourth grade led to this being my way of life,” he said. “Now I can touch thousands of people and create a place where others can do the same.”

For more information on Huntsville’s music education program, visit HuntsvilleMusic.com/Education.

The drum major of the May C. Jemison High School Band raises his arms as he conducts the band outside City Hall on September 22, 2022.