Commentary

From Mr. Chester

Dear Parents,

 

Band is more than a series of performances developed through an ongoing rehearsal schedule. It may appear we are simply completing one event and immediately starting to prepare for the next. Although we do maintain a busy schedule, there is a higher learning taking place that will benefit your child in all of life's disciplines.

 

We all know young people possess unlimited potential for learning, achievement, and personal success. Every individual's self-worth is based on turning potential into accomplishment, and that requires a healthy measure of discipline. Band is a metaphor of life because it is a training ground for developing a solid pattern of personal discipline habits. Band is a collection of artistic values clearly defined and ultimately achieved. This process unlocks the power of commitment, puts human will in action, develops a positive attitude, controls negative thinking, encourages success, and deters failure.

 

The study of music is a link between inspiration and value achievement; it is a bridge between thought and accomplishment, between ideas and results. This explains the impressive correlation between music study and academic achievement. Our band members are clearly experiencing the value of discipline driven by inspiration, enticed by desire, tempered by reason, and guided by intelligence. Band is grooming them for successful living.

 

Your child's participation in band is so much more than performance preparation; it reinforces the importance of self-discipline as the fundamental of healthy self-esteem, group pride, personal satisfaction, and aesthetic joy. Being in the band is teaching your child how to master the circumstances of life by putting ambition and skill into action.

 

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Thank you for understanding music education is a groundwork strategy for the development of more capable minds. Thank you for demonstrating the value of persistence and discipline as we meet the challenges associated with our program's growth. Thank you for being an active parent in our band!

 

Warmest Regards,
Michael Chester
Music Director and Conductor,
The Hillwood High School Band
615.353.2050 telephone 
615.353.2027 fax
michael.chester@mnps.org

 

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