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District fine‑arts presenter: ensemble participation linked to higher attendance; auditorium renovation planned
Summary
The district fine and performing arts presenter reported survey results showing ensemble students had higher average attendance (93%) than non‑ensemble students (89%), and that 38% of surveyed ensemble members said participation inspired them to attend school more regularly. The presenter also described arts residencies, theater electives and an
A presenter for the district’s fine and performing arts program reported to the board on Jan. 9 that preliminary local data ties music ensemble participation to greater student attendance and a stronger sense of belonging.
The presenter (Fine & Performing Arts) said 108 ensemble students completed an in‑house survey. On the question “Does being part of your musical ensemble inspire you to attend school more regularly?” 38% of respondents said yes and 45% said somewhat. The presenter said the ensemble students’ average attendance between Sept. 4 and Jan. 3 was 93%, compared with 89% for non‑ensemble students.
“...our study, that says, being part of a musical ensemble inspires kids to come to school more regularly,” the presenter said, noting the result aligns with broader research on arts participation and well‑being. The presenter cautioned the data do not show causation — students who already attend more frequently may be more likely to join ensembles — and said the department will continue to compare attendance longitudinally.
The presentation also highlighted curricular and extracurricular arts programming: expanded theater electives, Arts in Ed residencies that pair classroom teachers with working artists, local festival participation, the free Summer Music Experience, and parent support groups that assist performances. The presenter noted an impending renovation of the FDR auditorium and said the district hopes to use the renovated facility as a teaching lab for theater electives.
Board members praised the department’s work and the presenter said the department will continue collecting data on attendance, belonging and well‑being tied to arts participation, and will complete the Best Communities for Music Education application in February.
The presenter concluded by playing short student audio clips illustrating the social emotional benefits students reported from ensemble participation.
