RESONATE: Youth Voices for Music Education

Latest letter to the VSB

Dear Trustees, Mr. Robinson and Ms. Brennan, (Donna- can you kindly be sure that the Superintendent actually sees this email?)

The Coalition for Music Education in BC was stunned to see, that even after the VSB received a small amount of additional funding from the Province, the district administration has not proposed to reinstate the band and strings program.

It is beyond our understanding how you are making a CHOICE to destroy music education in your elementary schools, how you are making a CHOICE to take instruments out of the hands of students, and how you have made a CHOICE over the past several years to do absolutely nothing of value or merit to try and find a sustainable solution for this highly valued program.

The one shining moment was when you hired Val Overgaard who created a lucid report with real solutions, but you chose to do nothing with these recommendations.

This year, you conducted a flawed survey regarding a user pay model that has received nothing but criticism and did not provide any helpful or valid information about whether there is a community appetite for this model. That survey was all kinds of wrong: the questions were leading, some of the most supportive and vocal schools were left off the online drop down list so parents actually couldn't participate, you left people no time to complete it, and the program was given no supportive context. You have effectively destroyed the band and strings program using the survey results and pitted it to a lack of interest from the community. If you think people haven't noticed that, guess again!

Time and time again, you deal with this program at the last minute, when a creative and sustainable solution cannot possibly emerge. This program has been on the chopping block for 7 years, and never has anyone from the VSB taken any measures or made any commitment to actually fixing it. At least, none of these efforts have been made public if you have made the attempt.

You are left with a community of incredibly frustrated parents, students, teachers, and voters. There is not one other district in Greater Vancouver killing their music programs. I am convinced at this point that you have no understanding of the value of this program. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have explained the value, but you don't listen. You blame the funding, which obviously is a challenge, but the real problem here is that you find no way around the challenge. It doesn't matter whether you personally share those values, but it's your job as trustees and district leaders to provide the absolute best education possible to your students. Denying them the opportunity to play and learn music from specialist teachers is a disgrace. Students can learn math and science and just about all other subjects from generalist teachers. They CANNOT learn music this way. An even bigger disgrace is that you ignore powerful advocacy and attempt to convince advocates that you are fulfilling your requirements in music education. We are sick and tired of the lip service and self-serving claims that you are meeting the mark. You're not meeting the mark and you're not doing anything to fix it.

What a terrible shame that you have spent almost $500,000 of this revised proposal on office staff rather than trained teachers who are required to deliver a music program.

What I'd like to know now is what efforts will be taken to allow elementary students to learn an instrument? What other solutions are you exploring besides telling everyone that it's over, and they'll have to wait until high school? Not only is this decision an enormous insult to the elementary music programs, but it's an equally enormous insult to the secondary programs and teachers who will be left with students 2-3 years behind what they're capable of in their musical training.

Shame on this decision and all who have made it. We live in one of the richest cities in the world, yet our kids can't learn to play an instrument because our educational leaders cannot figure out how to make that possible. Christy Clark is not the only person to blame. It's about time the VSB stops playing the victim and starts getting some work done.

Christin Reardon MacLellan

Updated VSB Budget Proposal

Response from VSB Regarding Elimination of Elementary Band and Strings Programs

Below you will find the response from the VSB to an email sent from the CMEBC regarding the Elementary Band and Strings Program:

On Monday, April 25^th, you sent an email to the Vancouver Board of Trustees, outlining your concerns with the proposed elimination of the optional Elementary Band and Strings programs in 44 of our elementary schools.  You also expressed concerns with “the state of elementary music education overall in the VSB, including the band and strings program.”  You had two specific questions that you asked be answered.  Staff have provided the answers to those questions below.

Do you have evidence-based documentation that EVERY student in EVERY elementary school is receiving a quality music education from K-7, and how have you measured this?

Other than report cards, there is no district level mechanism that documents whether or not every student receives music instruction, just as there is not that type of district documentation for any other subject area. What does exist is the BC Ministry of Education’s requirements for curriculum instruction (example: Grade 2 Arts Education curriculum document: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/arts-education/2), as well as the Ministerial Order for Areas of Instruction which states:

Required Areas Of Study In An Educational Program Order

Each school year a board must offer to all students in kindergarten to grade 7, an educational program that meets all the learning outcomes set out in the applicable educational program guide in

(a) Language Arts

(b) Social Studies,

(c) Mathematics,

(d) Science,

(e) Physical Education,

(f) Fine Arts/Arts Education (Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts),

(g) Health and Career Education, and

(h) Daily Physical Activity

There is also the Ministry of Education Reporting Order, which states:

With respect to reporting in Fine Arts, the student progress report must, in relation to the expected learning outcomes set out in the curriculum, include reporting, at least once during the school year, in each of the following specific areas of the curriculum:

(a)  dance,  (b)  drama, (c)  music, and (d)  visual arts.

In addition, teachers are asked to have and share overviews of their year’s teaching plans with their school administrator and parents.  These overviews help to ensure that all subject areas are taught and the concepts covered in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.

It should also be noted that Dr. Overgaard’s 2014-15 survey of Vancouver schools, referred to in the same April 25 email from CMEBC, outlines that 58% of the 77 K-7 schools have trained music specialist in their schools.  Another 18% of these same schools have Music specialists as classroom teachers who teach Music in other teachers’ classes as well as their own.  71% of the schools surveyed rated their Music programs as “good” to “excellent”.

Do you have evidence-based documentation that the generalist teachers responsible for teaching music are capable and comfortable teaching music?

Again, there is no district mechanism to verify that teachers are capable of teaching a specific subject area at the elementary level when they are hired to teach in a regular classroom position.  It is assumed that after having successfully completed the coursework and practica required by University Teacher Education programs, these classroom teachers are ready and able to teach all subject areas at their grade level. When teacher evaluations are conducted, the evaluator (usually the school administrator) will observe the teacher teaching a variety of lessons, and Music can be one of the subject areas observed.

For those teachers who feel that they need additional support in specific curricular areas, including Music, there are a variety of resources that they can access. Support for both Elementary Generalists and Music Specialist Teachers can take place in 4 ways:

·         Professional Development Opportunities on Pro D Days

·         Clinician classroom visits

·         Mentoring by a specialist from another school

·         Involvement with an external organization

Professional Development

Professional Development is the main type of support to music teachers.  Pro D Days are advertised on the website and alternate with support for elementary art and drama workshops.  The February Pro D Day is typically a “music day” with a variety of workshops, opportunities for learning, and keynote speakers.  Workshop titles include:

·         K – 3 Elementary Music: Music making with Song, Play and Movement

·         A Seasonal Celebration of Songs and Activities for Primary Teachers

·         Lifting Primary Voices in Song

·         4 -7 Elementary Music for Generalists: Creating Fun Music

·         Lessons for Intermediate Students

·         K- 7 Elementary Music for Everyone: Music and Movement

·         Music Matters Incorporated

·         Music, Movement and Mindfullness

·         Kodaly Workshop

·         Music, Movement and Mindful Awareness of Overall Musical Experience

·         Music Movement and the Mind

·         Singing Games for Intermediate Generalists

Clinician Classroom visits

Clinicians go to classrooms upon request of the teacher or principal.  Clinicians bring in their own resources or work with commercial resources

Mentoring by a Specialist Teacher From Another School

The mentor will work with the teacher’s class while the teacher is observing or the teacher will observe the mentor teaching his/her own class.  Resources are shared.

Involvement With an External Organization that Provides Support

This type of collaboration usually works on a cost sharing basis and the organization will provide clinicians/artists/programming that involves both the classroom students and teacher in learning.  However the number of schools is limited as only a few can be funded each year.

Examples of organizations that work with generalist teachers:

·         VSO Connects Program

·         Opera in the Schools Program

·         Sarah McLaughlan School of Music

·         UBC Faculty of Education

·         Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra

We appreciate your interest in and support for the Music Education programs in our schools and hope that this information will be helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Mike Lombardi

Chairperson

Fanfare A gathering to save Elementary Band & Strings in the Vancouver School Board

Fanfare

A gathering to save Elementary Band & Strings in the Vancouver School Board

When:        Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 6pm-7pm. Please arrive at 5:50.

This is immediately prior to the board meeting where the public can offer input regarding the budget proposal.

Where:        Vancouver Tech Secondary- Meet in Penticton Street staff parking lot.

Who:       EVERYONE who wants to help save the Elementary Band & Strings program. Students, parents, concerned citizens.

What:       This is an opportunity to pool our resources and advocacy efforts in support of the Band & Strings program and elementary music education in the VSB. We hope to bring together as many people as possible to perform, advocate and make a statement to the VSB that our community values and insists upon quality music education for ALL students. The Coalition for Music Education in BC is helping to facilitate this event, as requested by parents and students. It is purposely not called a protest, but it is meant to be a statement celebration of a cause that is important to many.

How:       You may choose to perform with classmates and friends, or to carry a sign or poster for school board members and the public to see. We want to be visible and strong! Plan your performance ahead of time- bring instruments and music and bring your own posters (sample attached including “I’d Rather Play” logo). Music stands will be provided. If it rains, an indoor location will be announced upon arrival. We encourage everyone to stay for the following board meeting to support the many people who will be speaking for the Band & Strings program.

                  QUESTIONS: email info@cmebc.org. We are stronger together!

An Open Letter to the Vancouver School Board Regarding the 2016-2017 Proposed Budget Cuts

Dear Mr. Lombardi and the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees:
On behalf of the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia, my name is Christin Reardon MacLellan, and I once again write on behalf of students, teachers, parents, community members, arts organizations and industry partners who are fiercely opposed to the proposed cuts to music education in this year’s budget proposal. We implore the VSB to remain committed to their 2014 promise of finding a long-term, sustainable solution for the Elementary Band and Strings program as well as an equitable approach to music education more broadly in the school district. We also implore you to retain the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position.

The Coalition for Music Education in BC has closely followed the course of action concerning music education in the VSB in recent years. We have responded swiftly on a number of occasions and participated in consultation process during the 2014-2015 school year. All previous documentation of our correspondence can be found here: http://www.cmebc.org/blog.html.

Despite the powerful advocacy that has taken place in support of music education in the VSB, here we are again. This is the fifth time in the last seven years that music programs have been threatened. Regardless of advocacy efforts, stakeholder values, research, curriculum, and policy, we are presented with the same old story- the VSB can’t fund music education in elementary schools. We acknowledge the widely held belief that the province of BC underfunds education. The CMEBC understands the financial predicament facing school districts and is committed to advocating for increased music education funding across the province. This letter, however, focuses on the VSB’s choice to slash music programs again this year.

The value of music education is a topic that continuously gains merit, validity and traction. A growing body of research supports the benefits of music education on cognitive development, socio-emotional growth, and academic achievement. More than ever before, we have data that supports music’s transformative abilities on individual learning and development as well as on topics related to culture and society. In previous years, the CMEBC has shared with you specific benefits of learning music in an instrumental ensemble, including non-verbal communication, self-expression through an instrument, development of fine motor skills, positive social interactions, and participation in the creation of something bigger than oneself. Most importantly, as you well know, these benefits occur simultaneously in ensemble-based learning.

Surely, the Vancouver School Board understands the value of the Elementary Band and Strings program and its potential to thrive as part of a larger plan for music education in the district. As a direct result of the community’s 2014 advocacy efforts, the VSB hired a consultant (Dr. Valerie Overgaard) to explore sustainable solutions for the Elementary Band and Strings Program, as well as music education more broadly in the district. The consultant’s report documented the decline in music education in the VSB over the last ten years, explored how music education is offered in other Lower Mainland school districts, addressed consultations with stakeholders, and perhaps most importantly, concluded the following: “There is one point of consensus that arose in this process. Music education is not only important, it is essential….This includes band and strings, but extends more broadly to a general music education program taught by a music specialist.” The report suggested that “this process should be seen as a catalyst to enhance music education across the district.”

Yet, we find ourselves, a year later, right back where we started. It seems that the recommendations in this report and the initial steps taken to implement these recommendations have been abandoned, with the entire Elementary Band and Strings program once again up for elimination. We understand that schools have faced challenges with implementing new plans for this program, however we do not believe that ample time has been provided for schools to work through these challenges, nor has the district demonstrated an ongoing commitment to helping design and implement an equitable solution for elementary music education across the district.

The Vancouver School Board needs to adopt a district policy on music education that ties into its existing policy on arts education. The inequities within music education in the VSB are deplorable and they exist mostly in elementary schools. Only 58% of elementary schools have a music specialist teacher. Approximately 25% of elementary schools have neither a music specialist nor a band/strings teacher. In a recent survey, fewer than 50% of principals described their school’s music program as high quality. This is unacceptable. Furthermore, in many schools, the band and strings program is the ONLY music education offered.  So, cutting band and strings would mean cutting music completely in those schools. The VSB needs to fix elementary music education and the inconsistencies that exist from school to school. An effective model must be established for all schools and all students that includes general music taught by a music specialist as well as the opportunity for all students to participate in band and strings. It’s time to invest in the personnel and resources necessary to bring about change, rather than running from this problem and cutting programs. The perception in the community is that senior administration and the school board are more committed to the easy way out than to finding an educationally sound solution for elementary music education. The district needs an advocate from within and the time is now. Actually, the time was seven years ago, but we’re still waiting.

It is necessary for us to once again address the issue of music specialist teachers. Music cannot be taught by a generalist classroom teacher unless that person has extensive training in music and music education pedagogy. It is essential that teachers are literate in what they are teaching. Music learning involves skills and techniques that are learned over time and that require expert teaching. Placing music education in the hands of non-specialist teachers is a gross over simplification and dumbing down of music education. Music specialists are recognized by the BCTF and we encourage the VSB to require music taught by music specialists across the district. This model would not be a new concept. In 5 out of 9 Greater Vancouver school districts, there is a music specialist teacher PLUS a band or strings teacher in every school. We strongly urge the VSB to take the same leadership these other districts have taken by recognizing the importance of music education and choosing to protect it.

This year’s budget proposal also recommends the elimination of the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator. The CMEBC was devastated to see Peggy Bochun’s position up for elimination, as the direct impact on students is severe. Eliminating this position in addition to band and strings means that our students lose out twice. The Coordinator is the district’s lead liaison with the arts community. She is responsible for community partnerships with countless arts organizations, coordinates district festivals, fosters collaboration among the district’s fine and performing arts teachers, organizes PRO-D, and manages a large amount of grant funding. The loss of Peggy Bochun would be tremendous, and you won’t know what you’ve lost until she’s gone. The CMEBC cannot stress enough how fortunate the VSB is to have a professional like Peggy Bochun. She is not replaceable, and her position is not expendable.

The Coalition for Music Education in BC implores the VSB to remain committed to their promise of finding a long-term, sustainable solution for the Elementary Band and Strings program as well as an equitable approach to music education more broadly in the school district. We also implore you to retain the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position. These proposed cuts are a quick move to erase two budget lines, but with serious consequences. As we have said before, it is time for the VSB to CHOOSE MUSIC EDUCATION the way so many other school districts have done. While we recognize that you are underfunded, I know that I speak for many stakeholders in saying that we are sick and tired of music as well as many other valuable programs and services being placed in the middle of your battle with the current Ministry of Education and provincial government. Cutting band and strings programs as well as the person who helps them thrive is a destructive decision when the school district is in desperate need of a complete overhaul of elementary music education. You are denying students of essential learning opportunities and denying the community of what it has advocated so passionately for.

A Call to Action

The Coalition for Music Education in BC urges parents, students, community members, and concerned citizens to make their voice heard in support of the elementary band and strings program in the VSB.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS and time is of the essence. The budget goes to vote on April 28.

Please consider the following:

1.    Write to Mike Lombardi, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees, urging the board to retain the Elementary Band and Strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Consultant position, as well as to develop a district policy for music education that offers all students equitable access to music education taught by a specialist teacher. Email: mike.lombardi@vsb.bc.ca

2.       Attend and/or register to speak at the upcoming Public Consultation Budget Meetings on Tuesday, April 12 (or Thursday, April 14 if required) by emailing budget 
    2016-2017@vsb.bc.ca

3.       Follow the Coalition for Music Education in BC on Facebook and Twitter for updates and action items. www.facebook.com/cmebc; Twitter:@cmebc

4.       Share this information with your friends, families, and neighbours and encourage them to make their voices heard in support of school music education of our children.

Who we are: www.cmebc.org

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia Society (CMEBC) is a registered non-profit society made up of parents, students, educators, arts organizations, and supporters from across our communities whose mission is to protect, promote, and advance music education in British Columbia.
For questions or comments, please email president@cmebc.org

For Immediate Release: A Response & Call to Action regarding Vancouver School Board’s proposal to eliminate the Elementary Band and Strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia strongly opposes the recommended elimination of the elementary band and strings program in Vancouver schools by the Vancouver School Board. We also strongly oppose the elimination of the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position.

These recommended cuts in funding and programming by the VSB will eliminate the opportunity for thousands of Vancouver elementary students to learn to play a band or string instrument. The educational benefits gained from participation in a school band or string ensemble, taught by a qualified music specialist teacher, are not replaceable with any other means of instruction. In an ensemble, students learn and develop non-verbal communication, finite listening skills, self-expression through an instrument, fine motor skills, positive social interactions, and participation in the creation of something bigger than oneself. The study and practice involved in a music ensemble enhances the human spirit in a truly unique way.

The Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator is the district’s lead liaison with the arts community, responsible for many educational partnerships, district collaborations, and professional development. If the VSB is to meet the needs of a 21^st century education, community partnerships and professional development for teachers are vital components. Eliminating this position would have a severe impact on students.

The Coalition for Music Education in BC strongly urges the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees to amend their proposed budget, preserve funding for the elementary band and strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator, and commit to a more equitable approach to elementary music education across the school district. The fabric of our unique Canadian identity is directly tied to the rich experience in music education. The less we provide our students, the weaker our society becomes socially, emotionally, aesthetically and ethically.

 Read our open letter to the VSB Board of Education here: http://www.cmebc.org/blog.html

A Call to Action

 The Coalition for Music Education in BC urges parents, students, community members, and concerned citizens to make their voice heard in support of the elementary band and strings program in the VSB.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS and time is of the essence. The budget goes to vote on April 28.

Please consider the following:

1.    Write to Mike Lombardi, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees, urging the board to retain the Elementary Band and Strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Consultant position, as well as to develop a district policy for music education that offers all students equitable access to music education taught by a specialist teacher. (sample letter attached) Email: mike.lombardi@vsb.bc.ca

2.       Attend and/or register to speak at the upcoming Public Consultation Budget Meetings on Tuesday, April 12 (or Thursday, April 14 if required) by emailing budget2016-2017@vsb.bc.ca.

3.       Follow the Coalition for Music Education in BC on Facebook and Twitter for updates and action items. www.facebook.com/cmebc; Twitter:@cmebc

4.       Share this information with your friends, families, and neighbours and encourage them to make their voices heard in support of school music education of our children.

Who we are: www.cmebc.org

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia Society (CMEBC) is a registered non-profit society made up of parents, students, educators, arts organizations, and supporters from across our communities whose mission is to protect, promote, and advance music education in British Columbia.

For questions or comments, please email president@cmebc.org

 

A Letter from Parents, Community Members and Concerned Citizens to the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees

[This letter can be tailored to reflect your own values, ideas, and views. It is suggested that you introduce yourself, whether you are writing as a parent or concerned community member, and include any other relevant personal details.]

 Dear Mr. Lombardi and the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees:

 I know you and your colleagues are facing a difficult series of financial decisions regarding the budget for our school district. When making these decisions, I urge you to understand that parents and community members in our school district place great value upon the elementary band and strings program.

 The recommended cuts in funding and programming by the VSB will eliminate the opportunity for thousands of Vancouver elementary students to learn to play a band or string instrument. This is not a sacrifice we are willing to make. Furthermore, your recommendation to eliminate music specialist teachers from our schools is alarming and upsetting.

 The opportunity to play in a school band or orchestra is incredibly valuable for our children. They learn to express themselves on an instrument and communicate with one another using the language of music- the only language understood by every human being. They learn an intricate set of intellectual, physical, and emotional skills that cannot be gained in the same amount of depth or significance without this incredible program. The fabric of our unique Canadian identity is directly tied to the rich experience in music education. The less we provide our students, the weaker our society becomes socially, emotionally, aesthetically and ethically.

 We also place great value on the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position. The Coordinator is the district’s lead liaison with the arts community and is responsible for many educational partnerships, district collaborations, and professional development. Eliminating this position would have a severe impact on students.

 I ask that you do not take instruments out of the hands of our children, and that you withdraw your proposal to cut our elementary band and strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

A Response from the Coalition for Music Education in BC regarding CBC Music’s Canada’s Greatest Music Class Contest

The Coalition for Music Education in BC (CMEBC) is concerned about the inclusivity, authenticity, and honesty of CBC Music’s Canada’s Greatest Music Class contest. While we applaud CBC Music’s effort to draw attention to music education in schools, the nature of this contest undermines values held by most music educators across Canada, fails to support the breadth and depth of music education in schools, and disregards any commitment to music education pedagogy and curriculum.

The narrow choice of music from which participants must choose is limited to pop and closely related genres, which does not comprehensively represent all types of music taught in Canadian schools and limits participation by school groups that focus on genres besides pop. The pop-music-oriented vision for music education that CBC Music seems to be promoting is a very limited aspect of school music education. Moreover, regardless of genre, music teachers across Canada are focused on musical content and concepts that are more meaningful, inclusive and educationally responsible than the music examples CBC has selected.

As highly trained professionals, music educators are selective and mindful of what is taught in their classrooms. Value is placed upon music that lends itself well to rich educational outcomes and student creativity. Great music classes are not determined by their ability to cover a pop song. The ability to cover a pop song is especially not representative of the GREATEST music class in Canada. Rather, great music classes are defined by students understanding the depth, power, and complexity of all types of music. There is a commitment to quality, challenge, and creativity. The approach CBC has taken with this contest cannot determine Canada’s Greatest Music Class, as the greatest music classes in our country, fortunately, are not defined by this level of over simplification and subjectivity.

CBC Music has received criticism from many music educators, music professionals, and concerned individuals, including students, who see serious flaws in this initiative. Recommendations have included expanding the music choices, changing the title, and changing the messaging associated with this contest. The CMEBC hopes that CBC Music will take into serious consideration the criticism that has been received and find a way to make this contest more amenable to the teachers and students it seeks to involve. Furthermore, we would like to offer our assistance for this and future initiatives. We would welcome the opportunity to help CBC Music curate educational content that is in line with the standards and common practices of our profession, and that will reach the maximum number of students in meaningful ways. For those of us in the music education community, we feel a great responsibility to nurture our art form and see that it is portrayed truthfully and positively. We want to have the support of CBC Music, but in turn we want CBC Music to seek support from us as well. We are deeply committed to student learning and wish to be involved in consultation and collaboration with CBC Music as much as possible.

_________________________________________________________________________

Join us in our campaign to protect, promote, and advance music education in BC! Become a Member at www.cmebc.org

Contact: info@cmebc.org

About the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia

The CMEBC is an organization made up of parents, educators, students, arts organizations, and professionals from varying walks of life that support school music programs. The CMEBC’s mission is to protect, promote, advance and support music education in British Columbia. Our goal is to see that every child receives a well-rounded and balanced education that includes a comprehensive, sequential, quality program in music.

A Response to the 2015-2016 Vancouver School Board Preliminary Budget Proposal

A Response to the 2015-2016 Vancouver School Board

Preliminary Budget Proposal

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia (CMEBC) stands firmly against the proposed cut to the Vancouver School Board’s Elementary Band and Strings Program of 3.8 FTE, unless this reduction implies that the Elementary Band and Strings Program will be restructured to create a model that retains the high quality band and strings program as well as cultivates a better general music education program at the elementary school level.

When faced with no other alternative, it is always better to reduce rather than eliminate programs, and we appreciate the effort of the VSB to sustain the Elementary Band and Strings Program as much as possible. If the budget passes as proposed, and funding for the 3.8 FTE cannot be secured, we are hopeful that the reduction in staff time from the program’s current model will create opportunities that will actually strengthen elementary music education in the VSB.

Each time the VSB has placed music on the chopping block, there has been an outcry in support of music education from a tremendous number of stakeholders. There is simply no denying that music education is valued and essential. The February, 2015 consultant’s report concerning music in the VSB documented this support and presented hard data and facts as to why music education must be preserved and strengthened. As the CMEBC recommended in our March, 2015 response to the VSB, the district needs to take leadership over their policy for arts education if music is to be taught effectively. District leadership that outlines requirements and expectations for the music program in every school is necessary. Short of leadership at the provincial level that mandates music taught by specialist teachers in every school, the next best thing is for leadership at the district level.

The CMEBC urges the VSB to use the proposed cut of 3.8 FTE in a meaningful way. The music specialist teachers comprising this 3.8 FTE are incredibly qualified, outstanding educators. It would be a tremendous loss to the district to reduce their teaching time or to lose any of these teachers. As music specialists, these teachers are qualified to teach elementary general music in addition to band or strings. This is a perfect opportunity to place a K-5 music specialist teacher in a greater number of elementary schools, staffed by prep time. If scheduled carefully and creatively, it would be possible for these teachers to teach band and strings in addition to elementary music.

We encourage the VSB to explore the prep time strategy suggested in the 2015-2016 budget proposal and work towards having a music specialist teacher in every elementary school. There is no substitute for music specialists. They are recognized by the BCTF and they are the ones with the pedagogical knowledge needed to implement the BC music curriculum. Generalist teachers are not qualified to teach music. Based on the data collected from VSB administrators in the February, 2015 consultant’s report, it is clear that music education is far from consistent and equitable across the VSB. Some schools have music specialists while others don’t. Some have a band or strings program while others don’t.  It is also clear that when compared to many other Greater Vancouver school districts, the VSB is not meeting the mark for music education.

In our March, 2015 response to the VSB, the CMEBC suggested a three-phase, five-year plan that moves towards K-5 general music (including choir) and grades 6-7 band or grades 5-7 strings in every elementary school. The end goal is at least one music specialist teacher in every school and a comprehensive music program for all grade levels. With the appropriate leadership and commitment to music education, the VSB can accomplish this. It is time now to make the decision to get this work done. Simply cutting 3.8 FTE to balance the budget then abandoning the greater issue of music education in the district is regressive. There is an opportunity at stake here and we hope the VSB will give this opportunity the time and care necessary for the best interest of students.

The students of the VSB do not deserve nor can they afford any cuts to their music education. Music is not an expendable area of study. The CMEBC recommends that the VSB take action with the big picture in mind, considering long-term impacts of cutting music in the district. In closing, a quote we have shared before, from a university music student when asked his opinion on the VSB’s proposed music cuts: “Through any type of adversity, people naturally turn to music to express themselves. To remove music because of adversity is backwards.”

About the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia

The CMEBC is an organization made up of parents, educators, students, arts organizations, and professionals from varying walks of life that support school music programs. The CMEBC’s mission is to protect, promote, advance and support music education in British Columbia. Our goal is to see that every child receives a well-rounded and balanced education that includes a comprehensive, sequential, quality program in music.

www.cmebc.org

Contact: info@cmebc.org

A Response from the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia to the Vancouver School Board’s February, 2015 report "Elementary Band and Strings Program in Vancouver Elementary Schools"

A Response from the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia to the Vancouver School Board’s February, 2015 report "Elementary Band and Strings Program in Vancouver Elementary Schools"

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia (CMEBC) acknowledges the work of Dr. Valerie Overgaard as she conducted a review of the Elementary Band and Strings program’s history, examined models of other jurisdictions, met with stakeholders to seek advice, and presented options for the VSB. As the central organization concerned with protecting, promoting, and advancing music education in BC, we continue to be highly concerned about the future of the Elementary Band and Strings Program in the VSB. As a response to the VSB’s report, we respectfully present our feedback and recommendations meant to foster equitable access to a high-quality music education for all students of the VSB. We will discuss the following as it relates to the VSB’s report:

• the imperative for music education 
• the imperative for leadership from the school district
• CMEBC’s responses to key points in the report 
• CMEBC’s recommendations, including a three-phase plan for VSB music education
• important further considerations 

The imperative for music education

A point of great importance that appeared numerous times in the report was the need for music education in Vancouver schools. The report states,

 “There is one point of consensus that arose in this process. Music education is not only important, it is essential. As one person expressed it ‘every child has the right to a quality music program’. This includes band and strings, but extends more broadly to a general music education program taught by a music specialist.”

 The CMEBC agrees completely. The VSB has received an overwhelming amount of advocacy and support for music education from all stakeholders, including students, parents, community members, teachers, and administrators. The will of stakeholders implies, unequivocally, that the VSB must find a sustainable solution for music education.

The imperative for leadership from the school district 

First and foremost, we urge the VSB, as a district, to take leadership over their policy for arts education, including music. The report states: 

 “In its policy on the Arts (Policy Manual, IGAK), the Board ‘acknowledges the fundamental worth of the arts’ including music. The policy goes on to say that it is ‘the policy of the Board to provide necessary personnel, facilities, materials, and staff development to ensure that all students achieve to their potential in the arts.’ Yet, there is evidence that elementary music education is not as healthy as the Board would wish and that in the last decade, the quality of music education has been declining in Vancouver elementary schools.”

If music is to be taught effectively in the VSB, and this valued program is to be saved, district leadership that outlines requirements and expectations for the music program in every school is necessary. Short of leadership at the provincial level that mandates music taught by specialist teachers in every school, the next best thing is for leadership at the district level. Based on the data collected from VSB administrators in the report, it is clear that music education is far from consistent and equitable across the VSB. In the cases of other districts examined in the report, where some type of music program exists in every school (Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Richmond, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Delta), the district has taken a stand and made a choice to teach music in the only way that should be acceptable, and in the only way that truly meets curricular requirements: in every school, for every student, taught by a music specialist teacher. It is worthwhile to note that in 5 out of the 9 Greater Vancouver school districts examined, there is a music specialist teacher PLUS a band or strings teacher in every school. It is also worthwhile to note that with the exception of Coquitlam, the VSB is the only district out of the 9 examined that does not guarantee access to some type of specialist music instruction at every school, whether through band, strings, or general music, whether optional or mandatory. Only in the VSB or Coquitlam can a student attend a school where there is no band or strings program AND no elementary music program taught by a specialist. We strongly urge the VSB to take the same leadership these other districts have taken and mandate music education taught by a music specialist in every school.

CMEBC’s responses to key points in the VSB’s report 

A. The report states:

“This process [solving the band and strings funding crisis] should be seen as a catalyst to enhance music education across the district. The band and strings program is important, but it does not replace a good music program with access for all students.” 

The CMEBC recommends that the VSB move toward a model where there is a music specialist teacher in every school. The BCTF acknowledges music specialists, and we believe music specialists are absolutely necessary to provide students with a quality music education. Students should be provided an elementary-general music program, beginning in Kindergarten, taught by a music specialist. When students enter an appropriate intermediate grade level, they should then be given an opportunity to participate in band or strings. Further recommendations on this topic will be discussed later in this response.

B. The report states:

“The role of our community music foundations and organizations is an important one, but it can never replace a good music program in school with qualified music teachers. The partnership is critical.” 

The CMEBC agrees completely and is strongly against “farming out” music education to any community organization. Community music programs are wonderful, and they enhance music education in ways that could not happen without these organizations, but they are to exist in addition to not in place of a school music program.

C. The report outlined four different ways to provide a band or strings program for elementary students:

• provide additional staffing to schools
• provide staffing as preparation time
• engage community organizations to provide instruction
• a user pay model

The CMEBC supports the option that provides staffing as preparation time, as it is the only way the VSB can make this work equitably and effectively. There is no budget available to fund the current option of additional staffing; and there is little to no appetite for community-based instruction or a user pay model.

Recommendations of the CMEBC 

We encourage the VSB to implement a 5-year plan that moves towards K-5 general music (including choir) and grades 6-7 band, or grades 5-7 strings in every school. Music (whether general, choral, band or strings) should be taught by a music specialist with staffing provided as prep time. Each school, therefore, should have at least one music specialist. District staff should work with school administrators to develop individual plans on how the school will reach this goal over the term of five years. The topics of mandatory vs. optional programs and what grade levels will receive what type of instruction require further exploration and discussion at the district level, so recommendations will not be presented on these topics.

Phase 1:

Beginning in September, 2015, as suggested on page 8 of the report,

“assign prep time specifically for band and strings in schools where this would be practicable…. In schools where it is not currently practicable, this measure could be phased in over the next few years.”

In the schools where it is not currently practicable, the current model should remain in place temporarily. The report also suggests encouraging any new schools wishing to add a band or strings program to do so via a prep time model. Consider whether band and strings should become mandatory to accommodate a prep time model, or if it can remain an optional program while still providing music instruction to students who do not choose to take band or strings.

Phase 2:

Expand the band and strings program to every school in the district for grade levels deemed appropriate by the district, and staffed through prep time. Consider whether band and strings should become mandatory or whether it can remain an optional program. Consider whether an elementary general music teacher might be able to take on a band or strings program in some schools.

Phase 3:

The end goal is at least one music specialist teacher in every school, and a comprehensive music program for all grade levels. In schools where an elementary general music program taught by a specialist does not currently exist, begin building these programs. Consider having elementary band or strings teachers teach general music as well. General music taught by a trained music specialist rather than a generalist classroom teacher is essential.

Important considerations

• The report considers reducing the number of grade levels in which band and strings are offered as a temporary measure to preserve the program in its current form. The CMEBC believes that reducing is always better than eliminating if left with no other option. If the grade levels need to be reduced, is there a way to offer the program to additional grade levels via prep time in schools where this is possible? As the report points out, however, this is likely to create inequities. 
• In order to keep band/strings an optional program, yet still provide music instruction for all students, students could be offered another option such as choir or general music if they choose not to take band/strings. As mentioned in the report, elementary choral programs are not as common they used to be. A long-term goal could be to rebuild these programs. If covered by prep time, additional options might require more than one music specialist per school, but with creative scheduling and the possibility of itinerant teachers, it could be a possibility.
• The implications on secondary music programs must be considered when making decisions about the elementary programs. Music is an art and a skill learned over time. There are many intricacies that when learned at an earlier age result in a higher level of success later on. Depriving students of a band or strings program in elementary schools will have a dire impact on the district’s secondary programs. 
• Another longer-term goal for the VSB is to reinstate the District Principal for the Performing Arts. This role is so important to the success of any music program, and unfortunately, the damage done by not having someone in this role is not evident until problems have had a chance to accumulate over time. A District Principal for the Performing Arts (or at least the arts in general) would be an excellent investment to support the health of the VSB’s music program into the future. 
• The CMEBC is willing to assist in any way we can. This process will surely raise many questions along the way. For example: how does a school choose whether to offer band or strings? What are the implications of moving to a mandatory band and strings program? Please don’t hesitate to call upon us. 

In closing, we applaud the VSB’s efforts to support music education and to work toward a solution for this highly valued program. We are all sensitive to the budget constraints BC public schools continue to endure. However, it is time for the VSB to CHOOSE music education the way most other Greater Vancouver school districts have. Please assume this leadership role and commit to enforcing the district’s policy on music education.


Presented by Christin Reardon MacLellan, President
on behalf of the Board of the Coalition for Music Eduation in British Columbia:
Karina Billesberger, Graham Blank, Mandart Chan, Adam Con, Colleen Maybin, Jennifer Ng, Anita Prest, Jeff Weaver
March 2, 2015



PDF Version of Response