Su Valley Voice for May 2nd, 2024: Music Education in our Schools

Su Valley Voice:  Music Education in our Schools

On this episode of Su Valley Voice we talk about music education in the Upper Susitna Valley.  

In direct response to losing the music program at Su Valley High School this year, Denali Arts Council and faculty at the school have collaborated to bring Band Lab to the students.    We also discuss the broader topic of how early exposure to musical education helps develop brain functions in young people, allowing them to thrive academically in other subjects.  

Host Trisha Costello is joined by in studio guests Michelle Crow of Denali Arts Council,  members of Wasteland Hop and call in guest Bryan Kirby, Principal at Su Valley High School.   Together they discussed the week-long Band Lab program that was produced at Su Valley High School in response to the school losing its music program this year.

In the second half of the show the call-in guest is Rocco John Iacovone, maestro of the summer Jazz Workshop that takes place through Denali Arts Council.  He’s also a recently retired secondary music teacher from Xavier High School in New York City.    

Clips from pre-recorded interviews included in this episode:  Dr. Jamin Burton, music and choir director at Colony High School as well as the Borough’s representative for the music programs throughout the District;  Kerrie Fredeen, former Talkeetna resident and piano teacher and now mom to a school age music student and a teacher at Anchorage’s East High School.

Full Interview, Jamin Burton:

Full Interview, Kerrie Fredeen:  

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or suggestions for future shows, email us at dj@ktna.org or give the station a call at 907-733-1700. 

Still curious?  Here are some handy links to connect you to the topics and organizations related to this episode of Su Valley Voice:  Music Education in our Schools

Su Valley High School

Colony High School

Matanuska Susitna Borough School District – Music Department

Denali Arts Council

Wasteland Hop

Rocco John Music

National Association of Music Education