Exciting things are happening to education in the state of Michigan. Over this past year, the department of education passed a set standard of requirements that each student must meet in order to graduate with a state endorsed diploma.  Called the ?Michigan Merit Curriculum,? it will provide Michigan?s students the learning opportunity, knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college or in the global job market.  The new standards will require that each student obtain a minimum amount of credits in various subjects.

The great news is that, like you, the department of education considers the arts to be a critical component to the educational process and insisted that a fine art requirement be included in the new state-wide curriculum.  When your 8th grader joins band in 9th grade, they are on their way to a successful high school career by fulfilling this requirement!

The current high school graduation requirements deviate only slightly from the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Right now, current college bound high school students are taking courses similar to those in the new standards but also have band all four years. In addition to their primary band class, some students take Jazz Band or an extra concert band as their electives in their Junior and Senior years.  Therefore there is no need to believe band cannot be included in the schedule.  With a little planning and consideration to scheduling in their first year, every student can take band for four years while still satisfying the graduation requirements.  We all know that colleges and employers look highly upon band students in the application process because it shows commitment, discipline and team work.

More information about scheduling band for next year will be coming by mail.  This mailing will include information on the many opportunities that await your student in instrumental music at the high school level along with sample schedule to help alleviate any apprehension about participating in band. Information is also available on our website, www.anchorbaybands.org in the newsroom.  Please contact us at the high school with any scheduling concerns.  In addition, band-parent, Linda Petix, is available for any general middle school band to high school band transition questions for parents at lpetix@abs.misd.net.

As the Michigan Depart of Education has recognized, student involvement in the arts is an important factor for a well-rounded education.  We look forward to seeing the 8th graders at the high school next year!