Four middle school band students were recognized for their performance-based achievement in band at the monthly Tyrone Area School Board meeting this week as part of the Academic Spotlight Program at TASD.
The students, which include 7th graders – Ben Feller and Sam Yeaton and 8th graders – Brock Hettinger and Laura Thompson, were introduced by Tyrone band director Kris Laird who opened by thanking the school board, administration and middle school principal, Dr. Vendetti for the opportunity to recognize the fine musicians for their achievement in music.
Laird went on to briefly discuss a few of the benefits of programs such as music in the school curriculum, stating that, “Involvement in the band provides the students an opportunity to improve social skills, responsibility, dedication and teamwork as well as an avenue for creatively expressing their feelings and emotions.”
He went on to add that, “Recent research has shown that students who are provided with a quality music education show an increase in cognitive skills, achieve higher test scores and demonstrate better communication skills. The four students being recognized tonight are certainly examples of the academic and musical achievement I am speaking of.”
The recognition continued with an opportunity for the students to discuss their feelings about music and why they enjoy playing an instrument as well as highlighting their future music goals and their most memorable musical moments and concluded with a short performance for those in attendance.
A trio of Ben Feller, Sam Yeaton and Brock Hettinger performed a brief excerpt of a Korean folksong they are learning in band and Laura Thompson performed a selection of a student concertino on her violin.
Laird closed by once again thanking the school board and administration for their support of the music program and for the opportunity to honor such fine, young talent in the Tyrone Schools.
