If you are intimidated by the word exam or test, but do agree that some sort of assessment opportunity is beneficial for your students, then the MTNA Studio Festival Program is for you! There are no set rules, and you can tailor the event to suit your needs. I would like to give my personal opinion about the different music audition/festival/exam systems I am aware of. While it is true that some systems have strict syllabus requirements, there are many programs available in the US that are quite flexible. I feel strongly that we as music teachers need to understand the differences and requirements of various exam/testing systems, before deciding in general that testing is not “healthy” for our students. I am further inspired and feel the need to write more on this subject, after reading the comments on Joy Morin’s Q&A Forum about standardized music testing on her wonderful blog Color in My Piano it seems many teachers are reluctant to participate in testing programs.
In my previous blog article Benefits of Music Auditions I listed the many benefits for both students and teachers. They can be called exams, tests, auditions, festivals, or other names, but basically involve students playing for a judge or examiner and receiving feedback on their performance. I have always believed in the benefits of assessment opportunities for students. The District’s most talented student-musicians also apply to participate in NYSSMA’s All-State festival.I am inspired to write this blog entry after reading Valerie Kampmeier’s great post “ Music Exams – What do you think?” Opportunities to perform and compete also include the New York State School Music Association’s Ensemble and Solo and Majors Organization festivals. The District’s various ensembles also compete in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County festival, the Long Island String Festival Association festival, and the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education All-County festival. Piano I and II is offered, as well as Music Theory I and Advanced Placement Music Theory for those planning on continuing their education in music on the college level. There is also a high school wind ensemble and symphonic band for students who play band instruments, as well as membership in the school’s mixed chorus. As students reach the high school level, they have opportunities to perform with the freshman orchestra, string orchestra for grades 10-12, or to audition for membership in the concert orchestra. A unique elementary offering is the bell program at Kreamer Street Elementary School, which was up and running this school year. Elementary instruction commences in prekindergarten and third grade students may join the chorus, followed by orchestra or band in fourth grade. The District is proud of its music program, which offers a plethora of instruction in orchestra and band instruments, piano, chorus and music theory. Music Chairperson James Uzzi said, “Because of support from central administration, the board of education and the community, the district has the resources to do what it takes to make the music program visible and one that serves all interested students.” The District music program was analyzed for funding, staffing of qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants to advance active participation in music. The NAMM Foundation has designated the District as one of the nation’s 2020 Best Communities for Music Education for its demonstration of exceptionally high commitment to music education and access to music instruction for all district students.