The Visual and Performing Arts program throughout the district continues to grow and flourish through increased performance opportunities and the addition of a elementary band teacher.
Over the past three years, there has been one person responsible for teaching elementary band at the district’s 23 elementary schools. This year, the times they are a changing! A second elementary band teacher will be hired within the next two weeks to double the support for this growing program.
Mr. Derrick Williams was hired in July to fill an opening in the department and interviews will be concluded this week for the second teacher. This is an exciting time for our elementary band program. “We had more than 800 students register for band last year and we hope to push the 1000-member mark this year,” said the Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts, Greg Solomon. The elementary band program was re-born in 2015 after budget cuts eliminated the program ten years ago. Participation numbers have increased steadily every year, even though some students were bussed to other school sites for their lessons. This year there will be no bussing. Each elementary school will offer their own band program. Some students will participate during the school day, and others will have instruction after school.
Research has shown that students who participate in instrumental music have increased confidence, self-esteem, reading comprehension and math scores.
Student performance opportunities have also increased throughout the state, and performance quality is on the rise. Visual Arts students can now participate in County and District Art Shows and win recognition, and awards for their efforts. Performing ensembles are being evaluated by professional organizations and regularly earning Superior and Excellent ratings.
“Our Board of Education has made arts education a focus through our LCAP,” said Board Vice President Jesús Holguín. “Each year we are proud to see the improvement in our performers and artist’s work and it is wonderful we are able to share that work with the community.”
“We are also looking forward to the construction of the Moreno Valley High School Performing Arts Center that will provide a state-of-the-art facility for all students in the district to utilize,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “The arts are growing in Moreno Valley and we are happy to be leading our community in making it a priority.”
If you have a desire to join others who feel the arts are a necessary part of our community life, contact Greg Solomon at gsolomon@mvusd.net to join the “Arts Now Community.” This is a group of teachers and community members interested in supporting the arts.