Don't Eliminate Music Lessons from Bedford School Curriculum

I am aware that there are some troubling changes being proposed for Bedford's music program in the upcoming budget. This includes elimination of rotational group lessons for students at all levels. I believe this is a mistake and will lead to an overall deterioration of what has been, for many decades, a well-recognized program of instrumental music.

My background includes a 30-year career as a band director (at all levels) and performing arts director, K-12. What troubles me most is that, watching the BOE meeting video of 3/20/13, I heard no real plan for a new model of instruction from central administration. I did hear, "It's done," (meaning it is done elsewhere, without specifics) and "We haven't gone that far down the road," when it comes to a new model. (This discussion begins at about 02:40:00 on the video).

The rotational model has been in use for probably 50 years or more in Bedford, and throughout New York State. I am old enough to remember them being used in Somers, where I grew up in the late 60's. Teachers were dealing with pullouts then for music. Long-term research indicates that pullouts have little or no detrimental effect on a student's academic performance. In fact, one of the largest studies (5,000 students), the Albuquerque Study, showed that instrumental instruction improved the academic performance of students across the learning spectrum. That study was done in 1980 and all subsequent studies have supported it!

Music teachers work with some of the largest groupings at one time of any content area in their rehearsals: they can have 50 or more students in their ensembles. The small group model balances the large group ensemble instruction. Together, they provide a complete curriculum.

If Bedford is proposing to move to large heterogeneous instruction for instrumental music, the administration must present a model that works equally well, or better. Otherwise, this is not a change in program, but merely a cut due to budget priorities. It is not educational in nature.

I understand the tough road the BOE and administration are traveling. These are troubling times in public education. Yet, are we ready to eliminate a program that brings joy to learning to not only so many children and their families, but the entire community? That helps kids "find themselves" as they grow through adolescence? That provides children with the opportunity for music scholarships as they compete for college?

This is a huge step: there must be an educational plan in place for changing the curriculum, not just change for the sake of change.

Sincerely,
Mr. Len Martello
Bedford Hills, NY 10507