BCSD music teachers perform in 33 schools to draw young students into music program

Aug. 22—The Bakersfield City School District's music program is growing, and the district's music teachers are performing in 33 schools this week and next to inspire and draw more students into the program.

One of those music assemblies happened at William Penn Elementary School on Tuesday morning, where more than 150 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders gathered in the cafeteria to watch and listen as 14 members of the music faculty used songs and lyrics and costumes to invite pupils into the music program.

It's a decision that could change their lives for the better.

"Boys and girls, we know that if you study an instrument you will earn higher grades and better attendance at school than any of your peers," BCSD's Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Michael Stone told the crowd of young faces.

"Those are just two reasons to get into the music program," Stone said, noting that the district's music department has been a national award winner for the past 11 years.

This year's theme at the assemblies is "Video Game Music" and is organized, presented and performed by the district's 12 elementary traveling instrumental music teachers, as well as by Stone and Academic Coach David Green.

They call them traveling teachers because most of them teach music to students on three campuses.

The assembly began with the teacher-musicians introducing each musical instrument on stage. Flutes, clarinets and saxophones were introduced as part of the woodwind family. Trumpets, slide trombones and Stone's baritone horn were shown off as members of the family of brass instruments.

As the children watched, enthralled, traveling teacher Crystal Walker introduced the old folk song, "Mama Don't 'Low," which gave several teachers a chance to solo briefly on cello, trumpet and other instruments.

Some students couldn't remain still, and instead danced in their seats.

At one point during the assembly, every teacher played a stringed instrument. As instrumental music teachers, each one must know the basic techniques to play all of the instruments, Stone said.

The annual assemblies expose students to a variety of musical styles as well as instruments. It also included audience participation through singing, moving and playing rhythm instruments.

At one point, more than a dozen youngsters joined the band playing a variety of percussion instruments.

The school district offers instrumental music classes at all comprehensive schools within the district.