MUE 6080 Module 5: SES of School and Community

The median home price in my school district’s community is $158,000. That is roughly $80,000 lower than its neighboring communities. The areas is comprised of mostly single family homes, but also contains several apartment and townhouse style complexes. The average monthly rent in the area is $1,194. The school district enrolls 1,012 students grades kindergarten through 12^th grade. There is one elementary building, one middle school building, and one high school building all on the same campus. The most recent data shows a free and reduced lunch rate of 47.3%. The demographic breakdown for the school is 62% white, 23% black, 5% multi race, 5% Hispanic, and 5% Asian. Some of the enrolled students do not reside in the community, but rather attend the school through the Voluntary Inter-district Choice Corporation or VICC. The demographic breakdown for the community is 83% white, 6% Asian, 4% black, 4% Hispanic, and 3% multi race.

In my almost three years working in the community I have noticed a wide variety of characteristics among the area families. Most of the families I have gotten to know are dual income families, in which both parents work, on single income families in which there is only one supporting parent. Most are working in blue collar jobs while some have careers related to higher education. In terms of the band program, I have to consider the expense of the instruments when trying to recruit for band. Some families find great value in music education and have the means to provide an instrument for their child, some value music education but expect a school instrument to be provided at no charge, and some do not value music education but will encourage their child to participate if there is no charge related. It is an interesting mix and each situation requires its own specialized approach to getting that child involved in band.

There are also some considerations when selecting music and determining the teaching approach. Due to scheduling conflicts with local churches, Wednesday night performances are discouraged. At our “Winter” concert we perform several “Christmas” or “holiday” pieces as well as selections that represent a variety of beliefs. Additionally, we perform traditional carols near Christmas in order to raise money for a local charity that provided presents to families in need.