Music department reports enrollment gains, outlines plans for performance pathways and music technology

Nicole Clevel, music department presenter, reviewed the department’s five‑year curriculum work, reporting re‑building after pandemic disruptions and steady program development across grades K–12.

Clevel said enrollment in the high school orchestra has grown substantially; presenters reported a jump from roughly 20 students in earlier years to an expected 52 in the upcoming year. The department said it is realigning curriculum to give students multiple “pathways” into music — including performance, composition/creation, response/analysis and music technology — so students who are not primarily performers still have options.

Survey results cited by presenters showed student support for large ensembles (reported student support roughly 60–67 percent) and strong parent support for large ensembles (about 81 percent). The district reported that some high school music technology courses exist but have not run in recent years; the department plans to reintroduce music technology beginning in sixth grade, feeding into a middle school music innovations course and then adding a high school offering as student demand develops.

Clevel described steps to increase access for students who enter the district after initial beginner recruiting (for example, seventh‑grade entrants who missed earlier onboarding) by expanding beginner instrumental options and offering supplemental lesson pathways. The department also highlighted professional development, festival participation and outreach such as elementary school visits and community performances.

No formal actions were taken; presenters requested continued support for vertical alignment, beginner access and music technology investments.