Music keeping kids engaged

As many are aware, music education is an important part of our school district's offerings. We have long maintained extremely high standards, with outstanding certified music educators at every school site, from kindergarten through 12th grades for many years. Research has shown unequivocally that music supports and enhances cognitive development across all other subject areas.

A poster recently encountered reads, somewhat abbreviated: “Why Music? Music is Math (rhythm based on division, fractions, etc.); Music is Reading, requiring skills and skill subsets, the same used in literacy acquisition; Music is Science, covering acoustics, frequencies, and more, from voices and instruments; Music is Language, a universal language; Music is History, present during every era of time; Music is Art, creating beauty and emotional responses; Music is Physical Education, requiring mind/body coordination, breathing, considerable physical demand in marching band; Music is Life, our hearts have beats.”

Music education suffered greatly during the pandemic year. It is one of those subjects enormously challenging to teach remotely; just ask any music teacher. Music directly involves virtually all the senses, inescapably needing in-person contact.

Brandon Boerio, director of Music Education for the school district, provided an update as to how music education was progressing.

“When students came back in person it was clear there were many skills missing. We gained a whole new appreciation for in-person instruction, even with masks.”

Although significant gaps in skills and knowledge were noted and addressed, our music educators became extremely adept at collaborating virtually; not only with each other across the district, but also with other districts.

Another critical aspect is performance and competition, which truly motivate students and hone skills. Despite the challenges faced, the continued support of the district has been invaluable.

According to Boerio, “While many districts have cut what they consider non-essentials, our district — especially our Cabinet Leadership — has gone above and beyond in supporting us and giving us a chance to recover, to regain lost ground.”

Evidence would seem to support this. At the recent High Plains Marching Festival, CMS — the only New Mexico school district participating — competed against 19 Texas school districts and took first place. Don't forget the Texas districts had not undergone the same pandemic restrictions we've had to deal with.

Boerio continued, “I'm so proud of our directors and students for getting through the pandemic, wading through all the difficulties, and persevering. They've been unbelievable about being innovative and creative, doing whatever is needed to keep kids engaged.”

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools and can be reached at:

[email protected]