Elementary Arts Prepare for Potential Changes

Before the 25-26 school year begins, elementary arts curriculum will undergo changes. The school board hasn’t received an official proposal from the district, but discussions, initial proposals, and meetings have been taking place between district leaders and administrators at least since early February.
“We’re looking at creative ways to improve performing arts. We’re looking to improve it and add programs for students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Ariel Dolowich. “One thing we’ve heard loud and clear, both from our staff and our community, is the support of our students’ interests and passions.”
Valva said there are a multitude of issues with Elementary music.
“A lot of kids don’t bring their instruments to school, or they just aren’t that invested in it,” she said.
Valva said the changes will aim to acknowledge what students are engaged in.
“For years, people have said their kids have no exposure to theater arts, which a lot of kids would really like to do before they get to [the] seventh grade [drama program],” Valva said.
Valva said the proposal is to offer both strings and band for fifth grade and have theater arts for fourth grade.
Dolowich said the introduction of a theater arts program would “provide exposure” to more forms of artistic expression earlier on, as adding many more arts classes at the high school level isn’t a plausible option for Piedmont.
“What [we] can offer is opportunities of vertical through lines for students, so if they peak their interest in elementary school, then that indelible memory from being nine helps [them throw their] hat in the ring for a summer camp or for a middle school elective, and then maybe a class in high school,” Dolowich said.
Middle and high school band director Trevor Meseroll said the “through line” for music is exactly what would be in danger if earlier music instruction was reduced. The plan that was introduced to him and Music Administrator Jan D’Annunzio at the “Grade 4 & 5 Performing Arts Planning” meeting on March 26 included a fourth grade theater arts program and instruction in only string instruments for fifth graders, replacing band completely.
“There’s no positive way we could spin this as a good thing for the music program. Most likely there will be lower sign ups for band, and lower signups means the program shrinks,” Meseroll said.
Senior and Pep Band Director Calitlin Boothby said the fourth grade music class was an important part of her musical journey.
“I would not have been introduced to wind instruments or band if it weren’t for fourth grade band. Because I enjoyed it so much in elementary school, I signed up for band in sixth grade.” Boothby said.
On March 26, Meseroll sent out an email to band students and their families encouraging them to go to the school board meeting that evening to voice their concerns about reducing music education for elementary students. Meseroll said there was a lack of communication between those developing the changes and the people who would be affected by them.
“The first time I [got] to respond to these proposed changes [was] at the board meeting. There was no communication with me or [D’Annunzio], and I think that’s honestly the bigger issue. [D’Annunzio] is the person who handles the logistics for the whole district of music.”
Dolowich said ultimately the school board will have to approve the changes to the arts curriculum.
Valva said, however, conversations are being had with people regarding the positions that would need to be filled for their proposal.
“At all of the schools we’re looking at what’s going to be happening next year, whether people are retiring or leaving or moving,” Valva said. “Nobody’s been hired from the outside, nobody’s been hired for more than they’re being paid for now. But there have definitely been conversations with people for [the theater arts and music] positions.”
Valva said maybe next year can be a “rebuilding” year for the elementary school music program.
“There’s not no chance that 4th grade instrumental music will be around, but I think the question exists; for this one year, can we try it to see if this is a more successful program? Can we get it right for fifth grade this year? Can we get kids bought in and engaged and improve the experience for them?” Valva said.