Beaverton Friends of Music is a coalition of parents, students, teachers, alumni, and concerned citizens working to restore and promote excellence in our K-12 music programs in the Beaverton School District. The arts, which are recognized as core academic subjects by state and federal law, are an essential part of a complete education for the whole child; we therefore advocate for strong music programs in our public schools.
Our goal is to see high-quality music programs equitably represented at every school in the Beaverton School District from Kindergarten through the 12th grade. We believe music class seat time should be funded to meet the national recommended minimums of 90 minutes per week for elementary general music and 3 hours per week for middle school and high school band, choir, and orchestra, and that these classes should be taught by by certified music teachers (not parent volunteers or instructional assistants).
As noted above, we believe a quality music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education and, as such, should be available as a choice for all students in the Beaverton School District. There is a growing body of highly credible studies* examining curricula that include the arts and their impact on student success, including specific benefits to at-risk youth. These studies show strong correlations to improved graduation rates and post-secondary education, as well improvements in both math and literacy. We recognize all of these subjects are interconnected and important elements in a complete education.
We do not advocate for music to the exclusion of other critical subjects, but rather its inclusion as an essential element with equitable access regardless of where students live in the district.
Our official website is www.beavertonfriendsofmusic.org. It serves as an online forum to disperse information, media, and research. We encourage your participation in the development of our messages and strategies, and we invite you to attend our next planning meeting, which is listed on the panel to the right. Our blog is located in the News & Updates section of our website.
Budgetary and policy decisions at the state and city-level are affecting music education in our district, and the more people who become informed about these facts, the more effective we will be. Please help us get the word out by sharing our website with your family, friends, co-workers, legislators, and neighbors. You can become more involved by attending our planning meetings, following our blog posts, joining our mailing list (write to beavertonfriendsofmusic@gmail.com with your name, phone number, e-mail, and the school you are associated with), visiting our Beaverton Friends of Music Facebook page, (Like Our Page!)or joining our Beaverton Friends of Music Facebook group.
Thank you for visiting and we look forward to advocating with you soon!
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*Catterall, James et. al. “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies”. National Endowment for the Arts 2012. Research Report #55
*Holochwost, Steven J. et. al. “Music Education, Academic Achievement, and Executive Functions”. American Psychological Association 2017. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts Vol. 11, No. 2, 147–166.
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