Mission Statement
It is the mission of the
Benton Central Jr/Sr High School Band Program to develop the individual student
through musical experiences that promote the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values
necessary to become free-thinking individuals, independent musicians, life-long
learners, informed consumers of music, participants of music-making, and advocates
of music and music education.
Philosophy Statement
We study music because it is a unique form of
knowledge and communication. It gives the student a chance to explore an emotional
means of communication and discover how to express his/her own feelings in a
positive and appropriate manner.
Performance is the primary means of learning in the
band program. Through performance, a student achieves musical independence
through the development of technical ability, listening skills, ensemble skills,
and theoretical knowledge. Participation in the concert band is the primary
vehicle for this musical development. Marching band, jazz band, pep band, ensembles, and
solos enrich the overall musical experience for the students. In such a program,
students are exposed to a wide variety of the finest in musical literature, and
therefore learn to appreciate the value of music.
Besides achieving true musicianship, students gain an
understanding of their musical heritage and develop their creative abilities.
Each activity in the band program contributes to a well-rounded musical
education and helps students experience the joy and satisfaction of music
making.
There are also many valuable by-products of music
study through band participation. Students learn the skills of responsible group
membership and participation. Participation in band encourages the development
of a good work ethic. In addition, current research studies have found the
study of music to have positive effects on mental performance and critical thinking
skills.
The band program, which has the students as its
central focus, promotes learning through the art of music making and the
development of musical understanding, will most fully provide all the benefits
such a program can offer. We seek to be this type of an organization.