Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Music Programs Meeting
An Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Music Programs meeting was held on Monday, March 10, 2014 at
5:00 pm in the 2
nd Floor Conference Room at the NAGE Building. Present were Mr. Noel
DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mr. Dave McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Chair. Also attending
were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Michael
DeMarco, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mr. Richard Kenneally, Mr. Joseph Salvucci, Mrs. Caitlyn Schmidt;
Quincy Band Booster representatives Ms. Lori Hagborg and Ms. Renee Czajkowski; Ms. Paula
Reynolds, Citywide Parent Council Co-President; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the meeting by noting that this is the first of planned program review
meetings, today’s focus is Instrumental Music. Ms. Hallett introduced the Instrumental Music
program staff; Mr. DeMarco began by reviewing the importance of music instruction in
education and thanked the School Committee and Superintendent for the program growth over
the last seven years. When he first began in QPS, two teachers covered all eleven elementary
schools and all band students were seen together. In later years, instruction by instrument was
added and teacher schedules were reorganized so that teachers work with elementary schools
and the middle school they feed into whenever possible. In recent years, elementary students
have been further separated into beginning and continuing students within each instrument.
Full band rehearsals are limited to the time approaching the winter and spring concerts.
Mrs. Schmidt presented a review of extracurricular initiatives, including the All-City Band, which
has grown to 170 students. Students from all elementary and middle schools participate,
reading and performing music that is different from what they are learning at schools. An
elementary and middle school percussion ensemble is new this year.
Mr. DeMarco said that the middle school program is also organized by instrument section;
instruction takes place during the school day and students miss an academic class each week on
a rotating schedule. Full band rehearsal happens either before school or during the day,
depending on the middle school. The extracurricular middle school Concert Band provides
leadership opportunities for students as does the Honor Band. Mr. DeMarco said that these
small after-school programs are integral to the development of a strong high school
program. Mr. Salvucci spoke about the Jazz Band that meets on early release days. The band
has grown from 8 to 19 students, enough for standard big band arrangements.
Mr. Kenneally, teacher at both high schools, shared an overview of the high school program. In
high school, band classes are a graded elective; 60+ students are in the combined high school
band. The band performs at school events, concerts, football games, and community activities;
the band also marches in parades and those students receive Community Service hours.
Mrs. Hubley opened the discussion up for questions. Ms. Isola mentioned the Renaissance
program that was at North Quincy High School. Mr. Kenneally said that students took classes in
all areas of the arts; the structure allowed for small ensembles and music theory study.
Mr. McCarthy said that the instrumental music program growth is a testament to these fine
teachers and he is glad to hear about the growing numbers at the elementary level. He asked
for clarification on the Concert Band and Honor Band. Mr. DeMarco clarified that Concert Band
and Honor Band are extracurricular activities, there is a fee and no transportation is provided.
Mr. McCarthy asked if we are doing everything we can do to keep students involved as they
transition from middle to high school. Ms. Hallett said that last year, Grade 8 Instrumental
Music students were automatically assigned Instrumental Music as an elective in the high
school course selection process. Mr. Kenneally is working with Guidance to ensure that any
student who wants to take Instrumental Music can fit it into their schedule. He is anticipating
further growth as this year’s Grade 8 students move up to high school.
Mr. DiBona noted that middle school athletics programs successfully feed into the high school
programs, need to extend the model. Mr. Kenneally said flyup days are an opportunity for him
to reach out to middle school students; he also attends practices. Mr. Kenneally noted that the
younger students are more advanced than in previous years. Mr. Kenneally also said that 3-5
students every year plan to major in music in college and there are scholarship opportunities
for certain specialties. Mr. DiBona asked about students coming back to volunteer; we have
former students who volunteer at all levels.
Mr. DiBona asked about other cities and towns that have a higher rate of participation. Mr.
DeMarco said a strong instrumental music program doesn't happen overnight; elementary
students have to sustain their interest through middle school. Mr. DiBona asked about the
high school marching band. Mr. Kenneally said Boston Crusaders are looking to move to Quincy
and they would be a good resource. Mr. Salvucci said some upcoming students have a strong
interest in percussion. Mrs. Schmidt reminded the School Committee that we have a pep band
and not a marching band; none of the staff are marching band instructors.
Mrs. Hubley asked about the All-City Band rotation; Mrs. Schmidt said that Grade 5 students
and any middle school students practice on the middle school release Tuesdays and Grade 4
meets on the alternate Tuesdays. Mrs. Hubley asked whether Community Service hours are
awarded for students who volunteer to mentor; this could be a future consideration.
Ms. Isola said that the transition from middle school to high school is complicated and would
rather have a small group of committed students than a higher number of students who were
struggling. Mr. Salvucci noted there are many opportunities for other electives in high
school. Mr. DeMarco said that in middle school, academic pressure is a factor. Ms. Isola
requested surveying students to find out why students move away from instrumental music.
Ms. Hagborg and Ms. Czajkowski spoke on behalf of the Quincy Band Boosters, a parent group
formed to support the instrumental music program through fundraising and advocacy. QBB
began in September and they spent time developing mission statement and acquiring 501c3
status. They are hoping to support the growing band program with practical aspects, such as
transportation through organizing carpools. Ms. Hagborg expressed frustration with the middle
school program and students having to miss class time. Ms. O'Connor suggested scheduled and
graded middle school classes; at high school, students should be able to take both chorus and
band; string instruction should be added at all levels; and a collaboration with Eastern Nazarene
College and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra on resources. Ms. Czajkowski agreed about
surveying students. The QBB are hoping to support parents and would like to continue to see
the instrumental music program continue to grow. The QBB are looking for outside sources
and grants to assist with funding.
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced student Alex Cox, who spoke of benefitting from the many positive
changes in the instrumental band program. He has participated in the All-City and Honors
Bands, noting that he is fortunate to work with these great instrumental band instructors.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that scheduling issues would be reviewed across all middle schools and
that the Instrumental Music teachers will continue to work with Guidance on 8-9 transition
issues. He is grateful for the efforts of the staff and the continuing success of the program.
Mr. DiBona suggested that School Committee could strategize with the Quincy Band Boosters
on ways enhance the program without impacting the Quincy Public Schools Budget.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 pm. The motion was seconded by
Mr. DiBona and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.