The Impact of State Budget Deficits on Music

According to the May 2011 issue of Music Trades Magazine, “although education remains a local affair, budget deficits in 44 states are having an impact on school music programs. According to current Census data, the U.S. public education system comprises a patchwork of 15,274 school districts and 97,580 individual schools. Individual districts and schools enjoy a significant degree of autonomy, precluding sweeping generalizations about educational policy, let alone music programs. However, significant deficits or revenue shortfalls in 44 out of the 50 states means that most, if not all, school districts are entering a period of pinched budgets. For the year 2010, the 50 states accumulated aggregate budget deficits of $191 billion, a fiscal hole that analysts estimate will take at least 5 years to fill in. ” Those state fiscal woes were reflected in [reductions in purchases by the schools] of background brass, large string instruments, and educational percussion in 2010.”

Local instrument repair companies confirm that in Arizona, instruments which have gone unrepaired for several years and being refurbished in lieu of the purchase of new replacements. In addition, Arizona schools, as well as schools in other states, strapped for cash, are trying to find every place to save money. Unfortunately, many music programs have been reduced or cut completely.

As the economy recovers, our teacher and parent organizations must work to restore our music programs. In the mean time, private and group lessons can keep children interested in music.

Reminder: Teacher Preferred Sheet Music & Accessory Lists

Celebrate Summer with Sale Music

Maybe there's a piece you haven't had time to learn during the busy school year, or maybe you want to start your repertoire list for the Fall. Either way, Summer is a great time to stock up on music because during the month of August, when you buy 1 book at the sale price (usually 50% off), you get another sale book of equal or lesser value absolutely free.

Selected Choral Samples Free to Directors

The fourth installment in our complimentary strings fingerboard charts, this month features two new charts for bass players – one for the beginner player that displays only natural and sharp notes, and one for the advancing player that shows natural, sharp and flat notes.  The files we have created are non-copyrighted, so you are free to make copies as needed.  You can pick them up on card stock the next time you visit us, or print the beginning chart or advanced chart from home.

We’ve continued this chart series because we’ve received feedback from teachers that these charts are helpful teaching aids.  Do you have an idea for a chart that you haven’t bee able to find?  Let us know!