BAND FAQ

These questions are designed to better help you understand the Golden Valley High School Band program. If you have more questions then those listed, please contact the director at any time.

Why is music important in high school?

In these uncertain times, parents are even more interested in providing a well-rounded education for their children. High school is one of the most critical times in a student's social and intellectual development. Music is an integral part of a student's growth both emotionally and intellectually. In order for students to succeed in life they need to feel secure, loved, challenged, and proud of their achievements. Music fulfills all of those needs and more. In addition you will find many of the best students at Golden Valley High School participating in music and color guard. That kind of success is found in the rehearsal room and on the marching field because we strongly believe:

•students in music develop discipline, positive work habits, and group skills necessary for success in life.
•music offers creative and aesthetic opportunities that provide for emotional development.
•a student's social skills, self-esteem, and positive attitude are developed through music.
•music is one of the few skills that lasts for life and improves with age.
•music teaches students to strive for excellence. In a highly technological, materialistic society, we need the special pleasures that music can provide, to help us establish the quality of our life in a world preoccupied with quantity.

I have heard that Music takes a great deal of student's time. What are the time commitments involved?

Some parents are concerned that their student will be over involved, will not have time to study, or will not budget his or her time well. While music does provide students with many activities throughout the year, we would not want it any other way! The Golden Valley music program teaches students to budget their time effectively. Most importantly, it does not limit students. In fact, most music students are involved in other activities such as leadership, journalism, and athletics. One important factor is that band students can easily participate in sports as well as music (a major concern of some students). Students work best when they are active, being challenged, and participating in activities that they enjoy.