How does music education impact student learning?
• Promotes cross-cultural understanding and knowledge of civilizations and cultures, past and present, and helps students appreciate the diversity of their cultural heritage.
• Provides a universal language of communication.
• Offers means for creative expression.
• Provides opportunities for students to solve problems that require higher level thinking skills.
• Promotes active rather than passive involvement.
• Reaches students who are not otherwise being reached (e.g. at-risk students, economically disadvantaged, underachieving gifted and talented students, students
talented in performing arts).
• Builds community by providing opportunities for collaboration.
• Teaches three processes of life-long learning: critical thinking, creativity, and reflection.
Source: Ohio Music Education Association, www.omea-ohio2.org
By Linda Ebbing
Staff Writer
HAMILTON — Marching bands from near and far will take to the field on Saturday, Sept. 26, to earn a ticket to state and a 6-foot trophy at the 33rd Annual Band-O-Rama.
The competition is scheduled to take place at Hamilton High School’s Virgil Schwarm Stadium.
“It is a special time for our students and community to see some of the best high school marching bands in the area as they perform in this competitive event,” said Laurin Sprague, director of fine arts for the Hamilton City School District. “I am very proud of the tradition of Band-O-Rama and am excited our district is once again hosting this very unique event.”
Bands compete for awards in their class — determined by school enrollment — as well as a rating based upon Ohio Music Education Association guidelines.
The OMEA is the principal organization in Ohio promoting music education in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges and universities, according to www.omea-ohio2.org.
This year’s competition includes the following bands: Hamilton High School; Ross High School; Anderson High School; Madeira High School; Kettering Fairmont High School and Middletown High School.
Bands who receive a superior rating qualify for the Ohio State Marching Band Finals.
A 6-foot traveling trophy will be presented to Saturday’s grand champion band to display in their school for one year.
Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and conclude with the award presentations at 8:15 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults; under 12 get in free with paying adult.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.