Macon County School District: Arts Program
Preparing Students for College, Career, Life, Success…
Karen M. Tatum, Ph.D.
In an era of decreased funding for education, school leaders are faced with hard fiscal
challenges and choices about program elimination; and, therefore must make difficult decisions
about which programs will have the least effect on students’ cognitive development. At various
times, communities have fallen victim to the absence of the arts as a result of financial
restrictions and political persuasions to cut back the Arts without investigating the cognitive and
affective value for developing minds (Gazzaniga, 2008).
If we stop for a moment to think about what types of skills students need to become
successful members of any community, we might think of --critical thinking, problem solving,
creativity, innovation, communication, and collaboration. These skills among others, as noted by
the business community, are instrumental for students when tackling a myriad of intellectual and
professional challenges they will face in high-tech environments (National Assembly of State
Arts Agencies [NASAA], 2006). Traditionally, many of us believe that the study of subjects
such as mathematics, science, literature and philosophy are the prerequisites for developing
higher order thinking skills; and allude to the Arts as a way to tap into our creative side.
Over the years, research has revealed that arts education develops a set of skills (just as
those listed above) closely aligned with those that policymakers, business leaders, and education
leaders believe are necessary for students to have if they are to succeed in the 21st Century (Arts
Education Partnership [AEP], 2006; National Assembly of State Arts Agencies [NASAA],
2006). These two organizations (NASAA in collaboration with AEP) go a step further and agree
that these particular skills also include some social skills necessary for citizenship in a
progressively more plural society and global world—including empathy and cross-cultural
understanding (2006)
Many research organizations, agencies, as well as other arts related foundations ask the
following critical questions: Why is it so important to keep the arts strong in our schools? How
does the study of the arts contribute to student achievement and success? Studies centered
around these questions reveal that arts education helps close the achievement gap; arts education
can increase teacher retention and engagement; arts education helps prepare students to become
college and careers; the arts can turn around low performing schools; stories of economically
disadvantaged communities using the arts to create great schools; profound changes in the lives
of kids, teachers as discussed in the book, Third Space: When Learning Matters (CCSSO, 2005).
.
In spite of the many current challenges headed our way, opportunities to experience and
the support for the arts are strong in Macon County. The argument for continuing viable arts
programs in our schools are borne out of a rich history and legacy of talent that has emerged
from this community (George Washington Carver, P.H. Polk, William Dawson, Elaine Thomas,
Dianne Robinson, Lionel Richie, Tom Joyner--the list is extensive) and must thrive on a future
of dynamic talent waiting to bloom.
When Macon County Schools are asked those critical questions about the arts, we simply
point to these results…
BTW Golden Voices Earn Gold Rating
The Booker T. Washington High School Concert Choir, under the direction of Mr. Olander
Robinson, participated in the Montgomery Choral Festival on March 13 at Aldersgate United
Methodist Church. The BTW Golden Voices joined eight choirs from Montgomery performing
before a panel of distinguished area judges.
The spirited performance of “Jubilate Deo” by Mary Lightfoot sent chills through the body with
the tight harmonies and dynamic swells; while a calm and serene spirit permeated throughout the
auditorium with their performance of “Who Has Seen the Wind?” by Douglas Wagner.
The BTW Golden Voices received top scores of 96, 96, and 98 (out of a possible 100) which
constituted a GOLD rating. Students were judged on a variety of musical elements such as
Tone Quality, Diction, Interpretation and Stage Presence. The quality and clarity of our
choir’s performance was in every way “musical.” Mr. Robinson and the Golden Voices are to be
commended for a stellar performance. As stated by Dr. Pamela Burns, Professor of Voice at
Alabama State University, “Bravo on this inspiring performance; Excellent voices!”
Figure 1: BTW Concert Choir directed by Mr. Olander Robinson
BTW Eagle Symphonic Band Earn Superior Ratings
The Symphonic Band of Booker T. Washington High School recently participated in the
Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) music performance assessment. The
assessment was by districts, which was a change made by the Alabama Band Masters
Association – a division of AMEA. BTW is assigned to District VI. The assessment was held
at Ben Russell High School, March 10-12, BTW performed Tuesday, March 11at 1:30p.m.
Some may remember this assessment as the “state competitions”. While the name of the
assessment may have changed, it did not change the challenge or commitment of the band
students and band director to be the best.
The BTW Symphonic Band gained the attention of the judges with “Dorchester Concert March”
by Eric Osterling; the sovereign spirit of “Gypsydance” by David Hollinger that brought a
‘peaceful host’ to all in attendance; and, followed by “Incantations” by Robert W. Smith that
dazzled the audience.
The rating for the band was 1-1-2-2 giving an overall score of SUPERIOR - creating another
stellar year for the program. With such a young and inexperienced band (mostly freshman and
sophomores), some thought it would be a bit difficult this year if not impossible.
The band director, Jeffrey D. Hughley, commented that without the dedication of his band
students, the emotional as well as the physical support from the BTW administration, the
superintendent and board members, parents, teachers, community stakeholders and band
boosters, it would have been impossible.
Figure 2: BTW Symphonic Band, Mr. Jeffery Hughley, Director (not shown)
If you have not had the opportunity to experience an awakening of the senses by either of
these performing arts groups, there is still time. Macon County is proud to have the arts
represented in each school to include media arts, visual arts, choral, band, keyboard, piano,
strings, dance, and drama. For additional information, performance dates and times from area
schools please visit our website at: www.maconk12.org
References
Cornett, C. (2007). Creating Meaning through Literature and the Arts
Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development (2002).
Gazzaniga Michael S. (2008). The Dana Consortium Report on Arts and Cognition: Learning,
Arts and the Brain. The Dana Foundation, 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 900, New York, NY.
NASSA (2006). Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement.
NASSA (2006). Making a Case for the Arts: How and Why the Arts are Critical to Student
Achievement and Better Schools
Sclafani, S. ( 2005). The Arts Are Vital to Young People's Success in School and in Life.
Stevenson, L., & Deasy, R. J. (2005). Third space: When learning matters. Washington, DC:
Arts Education Partnership.
www.aep-arts.org
Karen Tatum, Ph.D. is School Improvement Specialist/Graduation Coach for the Macon
County Schools in Tuskegee, AL.