The music programs in Wayne School District continue to grow. This year Lori Chappell has put together both a growing middle school band and a talented high school band. There are 57 young students in the middle school band. This young group continues to improve under the tutelage of their enthusiastic leader Mrs. Chappell. Their classroom motto is “Strive for Excellence.” With high expectations the students are continuing to improve and are preparing for their spring concert.

Why is music important for our children? Several studies indicate that musical training will help organize the maturing brain, which is manifest by children studying music having increased math and reading skills. There is also the “Mozart effect” which referrers to research that found that ten minutes of listening to Mozart can provide a short term boost to one’s spatial-temporal intelligence. There is also a direct correlation between music practice and improvement in the students’ ability. The connection between practice and improvement can easily be connected to other courses like math and science. While music has an academic connection it also provides entertainment to both the students and the listeners. It is fun to watch students play a selection of songs perfectly and it is a pleasure to watch parents that are proud of their children.

The high school band is making the whole county proud. They played at several basketball gamed during the season as well as during the Boys State Basketball Tournament. The bands drummer, Braige Jacobsen, and guitarist, Gavin Pace performed ‘Uma Thurman’ at the State FFA Convention. Gavin is also giving lessons to middle school guitarists so there will be a replacement when he leaves. Thanks Gavin. Currently both the high school and middle school bands are preparing for their spring concert. The concert will be on May 1st at the high school auditorium. We hope to see you there.

Thank you Lori, you are amazing.