February 24, 1999
All-City groups fill critical need
By Jacquie Thomas
Herald Editor
What began 33 years ago as enrichment is now a critical necessity.
The instrumentalists and vocalists of the next generation have been gathering on Mondays and Thursdays preparing for their premiere concert on March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Central High School Gymnasium as the All-City Band, Orchestra and Choir.
They will share the stage for a unique glimpse into the world of ensemble performances that await them during their Junior High and High School careers, if they can take this brief peek and catch the vision.
It is continuing a Traverse City Music Department tradition begun in 1965 when Mel Larimer was the Choral Director for the high school and music department coordinator for the district.
It's original purpose remains it's central purpose: To encourage and promote talented students with an enrichment program designed so that the young student can experience performance with a large ensemble.
"Due to budget cuts over the last ten years, however, it has provided the only outlet for elementary students to sing with a large ensemble (since there are no longer elementary chorus opportunities) or to play an instrument with a full band or orchestra, which is critical in developing an interest in music," continued Parrish.
Stephanie Schall, a general music teacher with TCAPS, Director of WSH Bella Voce and Director of the All-City 6th grade choir, agrees that the All-City program is critical. "Elementary music provides the development for all later learning," she explained. "The earlier, the better. To not have an adequate elementary program will cause the level of the top performance groups to deteriorate."
"We are very concerned about the opportunities for music we offer at the elementary level," continues Cathy Olfs, TCAPS general music teacher and Theatre Arts teacher at WJHS. "What will happen to us as a society if we fail to expose all students to music education?"