“The arts significantly boost student achievement, reduce discipline problems, and increase the odds students will go on to graduate from college. As First Lady Michelle Obama sums up, both she and the President believe ‘strongly that arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow.’ “
“The arts are central to who we are as a people, and they are central to the success of our kids. This is not an afterthought. This is not something you do because it’s nice to do. It is necessary for these young people to succeed that we promote the arts.”
There are numerous reasons that make professional instruments the ideal instrument for advancing players. The term “professional” does not mean high-end instruments should only be used by professional players—in many cases they are the perfect instrument for the serious music student.
Professional instruments provide extraordinary features and outstanding value for their prospective players.
1. Quality
The biggest advantage of professional-level instruments is quality: play quality, build quality, tone quality, etc. Professional instruments are designed to satisfy professional-level players. They are play tested by the best and go through numerous iterations before they appear in the showroom. This boundless quest to build the highest quality instrument means you only see the best products in a manufacturer’s repertoire.
“In the push for quality math, science, technical, humanities, and other programs, please be sure that the arts are not ignored or pushed to one side. Provide your political support for the total curriculum. The arts enrich all of us.”
During the summer of 2018 we visited the Symphonic Youth Orchestra to interview some of their students. We were curious to find out how music has influenced them throughout their school careers, as well as how it has prepared them for the future. Here’s our conversation with Adam Crozier from Perry Meridian High School. Please take a few minutes to get to know him and learn where he’s headed next!
A big thank you to Shawn Goodman and the rest of the staff at the Symphonic Youth Orchestra. To learn more about the SYO please visit their website at https://www.syogi.org.
“Teens indicate making music provides the freedom for teens to just be themselves; to be different; to be something they thought they could never be; to be comfortable and relaxed in school and elsewhere in their lives.”
This is a repeat from November of 2016, but always relevant with each new beginning class of students. Please let us know if you need help with a stuck mouthpiece!
While at first glance removing a stuck mouthpiece can look fairly simple, it can be anything but.
The mouthpiece shank and the receiver both have specific tapers so the mouthpiece fits snug and doesn’t wiggle or leak air while playing. The mouthpiece may be stuck due to damage to the shank or the receiver. It might be dirty or it may have just been jammed on too tight.
In any scenario the proper way to remove the stuck mouthpiece without damage is to use a mouthpiece puller. There are many different pullers available on the market but the one we use here is a Bobcat or Accent brand.
You adjust the tool, with the screws, so that one side of the puller is pressing against the end of the receiver and the other side is pulling against the bottom of the mouthpiece cup.
With music in schools, students connect to each other better – greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm.