Music programs in the American Public School system are being robbed from students at an alarming rate -and it's hitting very close to home this time. CSD students need the broad music enrichment and discipline we were all once fortunate enough to learn. Please sign the petition, make your voices heard and remember the pride we all shared representing our tiny town with our huge talent. Stand up for the principles Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn taught us, and stand up for the music. #VikingPride
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Erin (Christopher) Ruark Class of 98
12 years ago
Band member 1994-1998.
I believe that not only is the legacy of Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn compromised as a result of dwindling participation in the CSD music program but the students (band/chorus members---but the entire student body) are being done a disservice as well. The last football games I have attended completely shocked me. While the students sounded great, as usual---because they are just as talented as ever---it was disheartening to see that they didn't fill up that last section of bleachers. Football games were always extra rowdy because the band was such a huge part of the attendance, yelling and screaming and cheering for our team. They got the fans extra excited. The deafening sound of the instruments coming through to celebrate a touchdown or field goal, or even simply a first down pumped the crowd, and I would assume it helped the team to continue momentum. I don't think it was coincidence that our football team made it to the state playoffs twice, and at least the first rounds of the post season the other years during my time at CSD. This year's marching band was a mere shadow of what it once was. I certainly do not want to discredit the student's talents but their presence was certainly not as demanding as it once was.
I have not attended any concert/jazz band performances since I left school and do not know how successful the band has been at District Festival under the guidance of these short-lived directors, but I can attest to getting the best scores under the direction of Mr. Batson. The students respected the program, and him, and therefore dedicated the time and energy to having the best performances.
I hope that something can be done to make the program similar to what it once was. First is dealing with correctly staffing the classes (with enthusiastic dedicated teachers--not just someone needing a job). The students have to have a connection, profound respect and a deep admiration for their director, just as we
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Jodi Windsor Kindt
12 years ago
Class of '94
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Emily R. Short
12 years ago
Bring back our music!!
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Jennifer Matthews, Drum Major, C/O '93
12 years ago
#SaveTheMusic
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George Dale "03"
12 years ago
As one of the last classes who had the privilege of experiencing the expertise, dedication and much much more in the persons of Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn it is evident that there has not been a pair or person that matches their equal separately or in one person and it is sad to see such a decline in a program that taught me many of life's lessons and a huge part of who I am today...Whilst I didn't take up the vocation my appreciation for the performing arts have in no way diminished....let's do our part in helping bridge this gap...
K
Karrie (Koski) Lang
12 years ago
Featured
Band member - Class of '00. There was no bigger single contributing factor to my early success in the military than my experience gained through the band program at CSD.
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John Mowbray
12 years ago
Band member - Class of '99
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Ryan Turner
12 years ago
I did choose to follow a career path into the performing arts. The largest influence in tht decision was from my time in the band and chorus at CSD. Let's help the future generation experience the same love and level of passion that we did. - Class of 1997
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Jay Harrington
12 years ago
Band and chorus member - Class of '77
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Julie Willis
12 years ago
I use to be in the band and chorus (2003-2006) it surprises me they have only one teacher for each program. Let's get CSD's reputation back!!!
1999-2002 (Trombonist - Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pit Band [Piano]), All Shore Choir (8 Years), All State Choir (4 Years), Drum Major 2000-2002, Vocal Music Accompanist (1999-2002). Bachelor of Arts Jazz Studies Piano Performance (University of MD College Park), M.Mu.Ed (Boston University), M.M - Wind Conducting (University of MD College Park), D.M.A (University of North Carolina Greensobo - '17). Without dedicated teaching specialist in both choir and band, my experience at CSD would not have led to me to choose music education as my personal performance. Please take action, our community deserves it.
C
Chandra Chester
12 years ago
It breaks my heart when I come home to football games and see the marching band section. I was in band and chorus all for years and it absolutely changed my life. Though I did not go into music as a profession, I utilize what I did learn in my church choir. I feel that the current state of the music program at CSD is a disgrace to Mr. Batson's and Mrs. Brohawn's legacy! Something must be done immediately! !!
T
Tim Dorman
12 years ago
I am disheartened to hear about the current state of CSDHS music programs. As an alumnus of CSD marching band, concert band, jazz band, pit band and chorus, I contribute much of my success personally and professionally to these experiences.
I graduated CSDHS in 2000, as well as Penn State University in 2005 majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Currently I work in technical sales, relying on my engineering and science background to develop mechanical solutions for large commercial buildings and developments. I would not have had the success I have had without the developmental assistance of music programs, and the talented/dedicated individuals in charge of those programs including Mr. Clendaniel (Sandy Hill), Mr. Bilconish (Maces Lane) & Mr. Batson (CSD).
It's no secret that a musical training affects the function and structure of the brain. To read music requires an inherent background in math. Playing a musical instrument teaches an individual key motor skills and develops a multisensory experience. With the current emphasis nationwide on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programs, I don't understand how Dorchester County Schools doesn't see this correlation, and re-allocate funding as appropriate to foster these programs to help our youth understand and acquire these developmental needs.
Juggling the commitments of band/chorus along with sports, extracurricular activities, etc. throughout high school taught me the importance of multi-tasking and prioritizing commitments - one of the key skills necessary to survive in the fast-paced society we live in today. However, a major factor in my development was the accessibility and non-conflicting schedule that was available, with a band/chorus block of time that did not interfere with my other studies.
Today as I live in and around the Baltimore/DC metropolitan area and am exposed to incredible school districts (Howard, Montgomery, etc) that consiste
CSD class of 1992
CSD alum '88
Very, very important!
Class of 1996, CSD Band Alumni
Class of 1996
Music programs in the American Public School system are being robbed from students at an alarming rate -and it's hitting very close to home this time. CSD students need the broad music enrichment and discipline we were all once fortunate enough to learn. Please sign the petition, make your voices heard and remember the pride we all shared representing our tiny town with our huge talent. Stand up for the principles Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn taught us, and stand up for the music. #VikingPride
Band member 1994-1998. I believe that not only is the legacy of Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn compromised as a result of dwindling participation in the CSD music program but the students (band/chorus members---but the entire student body) are being done a disservice as well. The last football games I have attended completely shocked me. While the students sounded great, as usual---because they are just as talented as ever---it was disheartening to see that they didn't fill up that last section of bleachers. Football games were always extra rowdy because the band was such a huge part of the attendance, yelling and screaming and cheering for our team. They got the fans extra excited. The deafening sound of the instruments coming through to celebrate a touchdown or field goal, or even simply a first down pumped the crowd, and I would assume it helped the team to continue momentum. I don't think it was coincidence that our football team made it to the state playoffs twice, and at least the first rounds of the post season the other years during my time at CSD. This year's marching band was a mere shadow of what it once was. I certainly do not want to discredit the student's talents but their presence was certainly not as demanding as it once was. I have not attended any concert/jazz band performances since I left school and do not know how successful the band has been at District Festival under the guidance of these short-lived directors, but I can attest to getting the best scores under the direction of Mr. Batson. The students respected the program, and him, and therefore dedicated the time and energy to having the best performances. I hope that something can be done to make the program similar to what it once was. First is dealing with correctly staffing the classes (with enthusiastic dedicated teachers--not just someone needing a job). The students have to have a connection, profound respect and a deep admiration for their director, just as we
Class of '94
Bring back our music!!
#SaveTheMusic
As one of the last classes who had the privilege of experiencing the expertise, dedication and much much more in the persons of Mr. Batson and Mrs. Brohawn it is evident that there has not been a pair or person that matches their equal separately or in one person and it is sad to see such a decline in a program that taught me many of life's lessons and a huge part of who I am today...Whilst I didn't take up the vocation my appreciation for the performing arts have in no way diminished....let's do our part in helping bridge this gap...
Band member - Class of '00. There was no bigger single contributing factor to my early success in the military than my experience gained through the band program at CSD.
Band member - Class of '99
I did choose to follow a career path into the performing arts. The largest influence in tht decision was from my time in the band and chorus at CSD. Let's help the future generation experience the same love and level of passion that we did. - Class of 1997
Band and chorus member - Class of '77
I use to be in the band and chorus (2003-2006) it surprises me they have only one teacher for each program. Let's get CSD's reputation back!!!
[email protected]
1999-2002 (Trombonist - Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pit Band [Piano]), All Shore Choir (8 Years), All State Choir (4 Years), Drum Major 2000-2002, Vocal Music Accompanist (1999-2002). Bachelor of Arts Jazz Studies Piano Performance (University of MD College Park), M.Mu.Ed (Boston University), M.M - Wind Conducting (University of MD College Park), D.M.A (University of North Carolina Greensobo - '17). Without dedicated teaching specialist in both choir and band, my experience at CSD would not have led to me to choose music education as my personal performance. Please take action, our community deserves it.
It breaks my heart when I come home to football games and see the marching band section. I was in band and chorus all for years and it absolutely changed my life. Though I did not go into music as a profession, I utilize what I did learn in my church choir. I feel that the current state of the music program at CSD is a disgrace to Mr. Batson's and Mrs. Brohawn's legacy! Something must be done immediately! !!
I am disheartened to hear about the current state of CSDHS music programs. As an alumnus of CSD marching band, concert band, jazz band, pit band and chorus, I contribute much of my success personally and professionally to these experiences. I graduated CSDHS in 2000, as well as Penn State University in 2005 majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Currently I work in technical sales, relying on my engineering and science background to develop mechanical solutions for large commercial buildings and developments. I would not have had the success I have had without the developmental assistance of music programs, and the talented/dedicated individuals in charge of those programs including Mr. Clendaniel (Sandy Hill), Mr. Bilconish (Maces Lane) & Mr. Batson (CSD). It's no secret that a musical training affects the function and structure of the brain. To read music requires an inherent background in math. Playing a musical instrument teaches an individual key motor skills and develops a multisensory experience. With the current emphasis nationwide on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programs, I don't understand how Dorchester County Schools doesn't see this correlation, and re-allocate funding as appropriate to foster these programs to help our youth understand and acquire these developmental needs. Juggling the commitments of band/chorus along with sports, extracurricular activities, etc. throughout high school taught me the importance of multi-tasking and prioritizing commitments - one of the key skills necessary to survive in the fast-paced society we live in today. However, a major factor in my development was the accessibility and non-conflicting schedule that was available, with a band/chorus block of time that did not interfere with my other studies. Today as I live in and around the Baltimore/DC metropolitan area and am exposed to incredible school districts (Howard, Montgomery, etc) that consiste