Music education in Springtown is well underway and well established. Springtown ISD has been named Best Communities for Music Education for the fifth year in a row.
According to The NAMM Foundation website, the Best Communities for Music Education Award is “a recognition of our support and commitment to music education and our efforts to make music accessible to all students as part of a balanced education.” On its website, The NAMM Foundation encourages lifelong active participation in music-making by supporting scientific research, charitable giving, and public service programs. He said he aims to promote
SISD is one of 738 school districts in the nation, including many Texas school districts named Best Communities for Music Education in 2022.
According to The NAMM Foundation website, to apply for designation, school districts complete a survey that requires a lot of data about students, music education requirements, participation rates, music education evaluations, music facilities, budgets, and more. is needed.
Music and art education begins in elementary school music classes and is available through student progress through SISD. Starting in sixth grade, students are required to take art credit, said Scott McFetridge, director of his band at Springtown High School.
Alexis Wells, band director at Springtown Middle School, teaches children skills such as teamwork, time management, and responsibility, accountability, and leadership for materials such as instruments in music classes.
“It’s basic and necessary,” Wells said of his musical education. “For students who are particularly struggling academically, we give them a place to belong, but our program allows them to find a home base. Every child really needs music education as part of their education.”
For McPhetrige, it’s also important for students to put their hearts and feelings into their music, and he aims to help them understand that emotional connection.
“I did a lot of talking and trying to make a movie in their head with them playing the soundtrack, helping them tap into their emotions and trying to express it on an instrument. I am,” he said.
According to Springtown Elementary School music teacher Sally McFetridge, an emotional connection with music is also part of the elementary school curriculum where students are taught to be in tune, beatful and artistic. It means students are taught to sing in tune, recognize rhythmic beats, and appreciate art.
Winning the Best Community for Music Education award means that SISD’s music program will get better publicity and more students, especially new ones, will likely move to town, said Scott McFetrigue. Wells also said the award shows school leaders that music programs are a good investment.
According to Scott McFetrigue, this year’s award is especially special because last year teachers in Springtown and across the country had to navigate a hybrid classroom operation of virtual and face-to-face.
“We did the best we could, but it was hard to do,” he said. “It was, well, cool to be recognized as the premier community for music education. If we’re still the best, we navigated it like no one else.”
Wells noted that the kids who joined the band in the virtual classroom stuck around to join the program in person this year.
Scott and Sally McFetridge, along with Wells, said the Springtown community tends to support SISD’s music programs. Specifically, he mentioned how people in the community can donate musical instruments used by students and sponsor band activities for students in need.
“Sometimes someone will say, ‘You gave me this instrument when I was younger, and I want to give it to a kid who deserves your program,'” said Wells.
Sally McFetridge said Springtown was where she and Scott McFetridge should be. She was hired in Springtown shortly after her husband got a job there.
“I always say that God put us in this community. It was part of where we were supposed to be.” exceeds.”
Scott McFetrigue originally wanted to get a ministry job as a trumpet player, but then realized that his aim was to become a teacher.
“For me, this is my ministry, and I try to work with these teenagers to be an example and a role model, and of course teach them how to play music. That’s my primary role. Secondary. Our role is to help them navigate through life,” Scott McFetridge said.
McPhetrige notes that other SISD music teachers, including his wife Sally, have had a lasting impact on students, including former students who still contact him and students who praise his wife’s music class. discovered. He was also someone to help his former students during their difficult times.
While some SISD students who participate in music programs pursue music-related careers and even music teaching careers, others turn to a variety of other career options. Scott McFetrigue’s hope is that those who do not choose a career in music will become strong supporters of their children’s musical education.
“Support your kids to want to do music when they grow up,” he said. “Be a good band parent and find ways to support and help your kids.”
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