District Administrator's Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner River Valley School District Administrator On March 14, a soprano from Wisconsin won the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album Grammy Award. Her name is Sarah Brailey.  You can hear an excerpt of her performance online (https://sarahbrailey.com/listen/).  The selection from The Prison written by Dame Edyth Smyth is simultaneously haunting and clear.  Sarah is a product of Wisconsin public schools. Sarah was interviewed Friday morning on Wisconsin Public Radio and praised her years at a public school as the foundation for her musical successes.  More importantly, Sarah was able to thank her teachers.  At one point in the interview, a former voice teacher of hers entered into the interview and spoke to Sarah.  The interaction was inspiring to this old educator.  To hear the pride in the teacher’s voice, as she once again was able to praise her student and to congratulate her success of winning the Grammy, was incredible.   Years ago, Sarah lived near La Crosse and entered a public school.  At some time during her school day, she was able to go to “music.”  Teaching music in public schools is a long-standing, proud tradition in our Wisconsin public schools.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) states that “music instruction shall be provided in accordance with a written comprehensive music curriculum including developmental experiences involving singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, creative expression, and music reading.”  And, this instruction inspires children like Sarah Brailey every day.   Nick Ehlinger, Jennifer Snow, Tony Cavagnetto, Matt Snow, and Rebecca Schinker inspire our River Valley School District students as well. They are the professionals offering our students great opportunities daily.  They take the vast world of music and teach.  The National Association of Music Education has deemed March as “Music in our Schools Month.”  This provides us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work of staff and students as they inspire using voices, instruments, and song to make music.  The River Valley music department has several highlights for students: • General music classes weekly for all students (Grades PreK-8) •Performance courses for vocal and instrumental students (Grades 7-12) -6th grade Choir and Band, 7th/8th grade Choir and Band -Concert Band, Honors Band, Honors Choir, Treble Choir, and Mixed Choir -Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Band •Solo and Ensemble practices and performances •Concert Festivals at regional and state levels •State Honors Band and Choir projects •District Marching Band performances •Pep Band performances •Opera for the Young (RV Endowment grant award) •POPS Concerts •Advanced Placement Music Theory course •Musical Theatre performances each year Without electives, school would be difficult for many students.  They come to be inspired by a subject or a teacher.  Music is no exception to this.  Music instruction provides our students with the chance to be creative, loud, dynamic, and expressive.  The River Valley School District is very fortunate to have impressive courses and talented professionals facilitating music experiences on a daily basis.  Even though a novice musician may need some reminders in pitch or volume, there is potential that another Grammy Award is just waiting to be inspired right out of one of our local musicians.