Music Education in the Turlock Unified School District

TUSD is committed to the development of the entire student. For this reason the classroom includes time to study civility, art, and MUSIC. Civility is essential in character development; it’s how we show respect for one another and ourselves. Art is the creative expression that will develop throughout a person’s life.

But why is music so important? The majority of students don’t go on to become professional musicians, yet educators and parents believe music is an essential component of a well-rounded education.

Why study music?

Because music…

• Develops skills needed by the 21st century workforce including critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, and team work.
• Keeps students engaged in school and less likely to drop out
• Improves the atmosphere for learning
• Helps students achieve in other academic subjects like math, science and reading
• Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations
• Is a disciplined human endeavor with intrinsic value to society
• Builds confidence and the ability to perform or speak in public

What is music education?

In the TUSD, all elementary students, beginning in 1st grade, have music class once a week.  This class teaches the fundamentals of music along with practical experience in singing, understanding of musical notation, and the basics of reading music.  

In 5th grade students are given the option of band, orchestra or choir.  Many students choose to study an instrument but if not, they will be added to the choir. We have approximately 600 students in choir, 650 students in band, and 650 students in orchestra, (Grades 5-12 Total).

What is the role of the Music Teacher?

Throughout the early grades Music teachers are planting the seeds for the older grades. In time, the skills learned in Music class will support the student in many other areas such as math, public speaking, and reading. Music teachers don’t teach a skill only, they teach students an entire way of thinking and interacting with the world around them. It takes a special person to be a Music teacher; they need patience, creativity, mentorship, and a willingness to see beyond the student’s current skill to what they could become. Where most of us hear a squeak, the Music teacher hears a symphony.

How can we support music education in the Turlock Unified School District?

Of the various music classes, Band is the most expensive due to the cost and care of instruments. At present, our need is for $3,000 to repair instruments and another $3,000 to replace instruments that are too badly damaged to be fixed.

You can support Music education by contributing to the cost to repair and replace instruments. The Festival on the Green is an event co-sponsored by TUSD and Turlock Education Foundation. TEF will have a booth at the Festival where you can see and interact with the instruments used by students every day. Contributions will be accepted at the booth and funds raised by the Festival will be used to fund Music education within the district.

You can also stay informed on the challenges faced by the District in funding Music education and offer your support of funding proposals.

And don’t forget the teachers!

Music teachers are a huge and positive influence for your children. Please remember to thank them and encourage them whenever possible.

Here’s a note from Toni Boster, a Turlock resident, board member of TEF and educator:

“I have three children in the TUSD, two at Medeiros and one at the Junior High.  My two older children have the pleasure of having Sarah Carpenter for their band teacher.  She is a dedicated, inspiring, and talented teacher.  She truly is a master at her craft.  My son who is in 7th grade now decided to learn to play the saxophone in 5th grade.  He had never touched this "horn" before then.  Now he is really quite proficient. She taught him everything he knows.  The program she has put together for the Junior High is extensive and goes far beyond the classroom.  Thank you for continuing to offer music in our schools and having such high standards for your staff.  Sarah is one in a million!”

Join us at the Festival on the Green - A Celebration of Character, MUSIC, and the Arts.

Saturday, March 9th, 10am - 7pm at Pitman High School, 2525 West Christoffersen Parkway, Turlock

Stop by our booth to say hello, check out the musical instruments, and consider a donation to the instrument repair fund.

Also follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TurlockEdFoundation

On Twitter @TurlockEdFound and #TurlockBelieves