By Janelle Gelfand
The Cincinnati Enquirer

School music is gradually making a comeback in public schools across Ohio, despite the challenges of proficiency testing, failed school bond issues, school redesign and the economic downturn after 9-11.

A year after the Enquirer reported that, after decades of cutbacks, schools are restoring music programs ("The Bands are Back," Dec. 2, 2001), schools report that music is no longer just a frill. Despite ongoing struggles in Cincinnati Public Schools, music programs in other districts continue to expand and even flourish.

Eryk McDaniel, assistant director at Withrow International High School, instructs drummer Gabrialle Boyd. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

One of the driving forces behind the move to restore music is a new kind of school administrator, one with knowledge about or appreciation for the arts.

"A quality education is much more than just performing well on a test," says Camille Nasbe, new superintendent for Winton Woods School District. "It is reaching and stretching students who have a variety of talents."

Having an administrator who is concerned about music programs can be a valuable weapon for music teachers, who often complain they exist to provide the "planning period" for academic teachers.

"We have a wonderful music program in this district, and it sometimes goes unrecognized," says Winton Woods' Dr. Nasbe, a former math and Spanish teacher who experienced little music in her own schools growing up in Florida. "I do not want in any way to compromise that. It draws parents and students to our district."

The superintendent sold hotdogs alongside music boosters at football games this fall, and she recently attended a meeting of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education in Columbus to bone up on the state of the arts in Ohio schools.

Administrators in Norwood and Mason listened to parents when it came to improving their music programs.

Parents playing a role

Norwood superintendent Barbara Rider took an interest in Norwood's dwindling marching band after attending a Band Boosters' meeting.

"I listened to groups of band parents who were concerned about the program, and we just decided to turn it around," says Mrs. Rider, who also attends band competitions to lend moral support. "It has a positive impact, not only on the participants, but on parent participation in the district, and in community pride. It's just very important."

In 1999, Mason City Schools superintendent Kevin Bright listened to parents and supported a feasibility study to see if there was enough interest to add a strings program to its band and vocal programs. The study was funded by the Baroque Violin Shop.

"We're a school district of almost 8,000 students now, and we just believe that an orchestra program rounds out the musical experience," says Dr. Bright, who once played in a school band.

For the first time, Mason's marching band finished in the top 30 at the Bands of America Competition in Indianapolis last month.

In Anderson Township, Forest Hills School District music programs will be continuing at their present level, thanks to passage of a recent tax levy.

"Program cuts would have been necessary had the levy not passed," says Dick Wesp, district music coordinator. "It's important to our kids and our parents, and it's something the community has come to regard as being important. When people think of Forest Hills, they hopefully think about the best in all programs, including music."

Beginning again

Having a music-loving administrator might help when it comes to turning a program around. At Withrow International High School on the edge of Hyde Park (one of three high schools in the newly redesigned Withrow campus), principal Carol Walsh plans to rebuild the band program, which started up again this fall after hit-or-miss attempts over the past decade.

"I've always been a musician," says Ms. Walsh, who volunteered for the Fairfield Symphony when she lived in Connecticut. "As a young person in high school, it was a huge part of my personal life. I just can't imagine my day without music. Once you've had the experience, you appreciate it your whole life."

This year, Ms. Walsh hired band teacher and Cincinnati musician Michael Wade and is scrounging for instruments for the kids to play. She plans to start a vocal program and a parent booster group. Buoyed by last year's $26,500 grant from the Corbett Foundation, Ms. Walsh's biggest wish is to find permanent funding for the band. She plans to do it.

"It's rough getting it off the ground. It takes patience and work," Mr. Wade said on a recent afternoon, while coaching a small group of dedicated players - his "core" ensemble. He's starting small and aiming high, with a small jazz and concert band this year, and a marching band by next fall.

"I'd like to have them on the field, playing music of many cultures: Latin jazz, classical, hip hop and, of course, Sousa," says Mr. Wade, who tried to bring back the band once, in 1998-99. Because most of his students are complete beginners, he knows that's a tough order. Still, he is confident.

"We have to recruit talent. We're building. It's going to take some time, but once the kids start believing in themselves, it'll happen," he says.

Perhaps the best hope for music programs is the respect that administrators show for the arts.

"When I say academic, I mean music and art, too," Dr. Nasbe says. "People make a living at those things, and even if they don't, it's a wonderful talent you can enjoy your entire life."

E-mail jgelfand@enquirer.com