Summer Music Program
Sullivan High School, MO
Sullivan High School, 1073 E Vine St, Sullivan, MO 63080, USAProject Description
The purpose of the summer music program is to keep younger students playing their instruments and singing and having the older students mentor the younger students and/or learn a new instrument. The summer music program meets for four weeks as part of the school district’s summer school program. We currently have three paid instructors (2 band directors and 1 choir director.) All students play in band and sing in choir regardless of whether they are a part of the band or choir in the regular school year. At the end of four weeks, the band and choir present a concert for the community, parents, and school faculty and staff. The final objective of this program is to maintain and retain students in the music program into high school. It is especially a heavy recruitment tool for instrumental students to become a part of the high school choral program because as the choir director, I don’t have the opportunity to work with middle school students outside of the summer music experience. Mr. Chuck Moore has started this program and it has developed into a huge part of why our students are staying involved in music in high school.
Target Audience
Overview of planning and execution process for this project
Included in the approval comes what the district is willing to commit to as far as staff and music budget.
After receiving approval, our music teachers talk with middle and high school students about the upcoming program and the benefits for both younger and older musicians. In January, information must be sent out to parents about the upcoming summer music program with specific dates and times and an overview of the experience and the positive learning opportunities it presents for their students. Special emphasis is placed on the program being free to attend, along with free meals as a part of the summer school program. Students attending this program reap the benefits of a long music camp but without having to pay.
Community Impact
Overall budget
$862
Specific Budget Breakdown
- Choral Music- 3 pieces of music: 60 pieces x $2.25= $135.00
- 60 pieces x 2.10= $126.00
- 60 pieces x 2.10= $126.00 Choir total = $387.00
- Instrumental Music- 6 pieces of music:
- 5 pieces x $75.00= $375.00
- 1 piece x $100= $100 Band total= $475.00
- Teacher salaries for 4 week program: $1380/teacher Salary total= $4140.00
What was your total program enrollment during the prior school year?
What is your projected program enrollment for the current school year?
New or recurring project?
RecurringHow did you update/change this project from its previous occurrence?
Challenges/obstacles that were encountered
There were challenges with enrollment when the program was first implemented. Students had to give up their personal time and summer vacation to commit to the program and going to school. The district had to hire staff and purchase resources for a new program that they weren’t sure was going to succeed.
Measurement of the success/effectiveness of this project?
Advice for someone looking to replicate this project in their own community?
The biggest suggestion is to expect years to judge the success of the program once it is implemented.
Our administrators advise that other districts are committed to supporting the program for several years to collect data on the level of success.
We encourage that directors allow students to have excused absences for vacations or camps during the program. This will assure that students and parents buy in to giving up their time in the summer.
