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Greeley High Madrigals perform and describe how music supports belonging, academics and brain development
Summary
Students from Greeley High School’s Madrigal Singers performed for the MSAD 51 Board and told trustees why ensemble music matters for belonging, academic performance and mental health.
Greeley High School’s Madrigal Singers opened the MSAD 51 Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 9 with a live performance and a short set of remarks explaining why students value ensemble music. Principal Carl Francis introduced the auditioned honors ensemble and director Sarah Bailey before students sang and then shared brief statements about the program’s benefits.
The students described the music program as a “welcoming environment” and a place that connects multiple grade levels. “Ensemble singing also helps students build confidence and feel less nervous around their peers,” said Evie Reichert, a junior. “Music is a true equalizer in our schools,” she added.
Charlie Devine, a senior, cited published research and personal experience on academic gains for students involved in music: “A journal of educational psychology study of over 112,000 students … found that high schoolers heavily involved in chorus or band … averaged an 11 to 13% higher grade point averages than non participants,” Devine said. He said his own GPA rose about 18% after joining the Madrigal Singers.
Chase Bilodeau, a sophomore, described research about how music engages broad areas of the brain and said music “triggers the part of our brain that are that are related to emotion as well as releasing dopamine.” Ella Purcell provided program statistics specific to Greeley High: “79 percent of GHS singers were accepted to our district level honors festival in school year 24–25. 26 percent of GHS singers were accepted to all‑state chorus in school year 24–25,” she said, and reported that Madrigal members “participate in an average of 20 performances a year, including community outreach.”
Director Sarah Bailey and Principal Francis accompanied the group and joined board members in thanking the students for the performance and their remarks. The presentation lasted only a few minutes but board members later said the music was a welcome start to the evening.
The board did not take any policy action on the music program during the meeting; the students’ appearance was a performance plus an informational public presentation.
