Teacher proposes new
focus on performing arts
RED BANK — Home to jazz clubs and renowned as the birthplace of Count Basie, the borough is in danger of wasting its musical talent. That’s why Holcombe Hurd Jr., music teacher at Red Bank Middle School, put together a 47-page proposal dealing with the long-term health of the music and performing arts programs for the district’s K-8 students.
"As Red Bank flourishes, the schism between the public schools and the community at large is being magnified," he wrote in the document’s introduction. "The success of the town has not been shared with the school system and neither has the cultural awakening."
"They call us the ‘hip city,’ but right now the kids aren’t part of that," said Board of Education member Peter Noble at the July 9 meeting where Hurd made his proposal.
Hurd outlined where he thinks the program should be going and how to get there. The scope of the proposal includes three- and five-year visions for the district and includes detailed financial information on how much the improvements would cost, down to light bulbs and power cords.
"When the last renovation crew pulls away from the middle school, will our new theater feature an empty stage?" he wrote. "Will our new band and choral instruction halls be equipped? Will performance classes be an everyday focus of the academic pursuits of our students? If the Board of Education invests its love and commitment in the arts, we will find a way."
Central to Hurd’s proposal is the belief that music education is as important as subjects like English and math. In his statement, Hurd wrote that the program’s goal should be musically literate students who are given time to participate in groups like band and orchestra, and who have time in their school day for individual instrumental lessons. He also cited research that shows that students who are involved with music perform better in other academic subjects, as well as outperforming other students on standardized tests.
"The study of music requires more commitment from the student than virtually any other discipline," he wrote.
To help students make that commitment, Hurd proposed a class in acoustics, the science of sound, which some music majors don’t even take in college. He also suggested a MIDI computer lab in which students could practice music in conjunction with computer technology.
He also called for reaching beyond the school, suggesting that all public school students in Red Bank, including those at the charter school, should be allowed to participate in after-school music programs.
Hurd said in the report that many factors contribute to the current climate in the schools. Schedule changes this past year cut band rehearsals by over 80 percent. Dr. Kenneth Hall, interim superintendent, said that those schedule changes have been worked out for the coming year.
Hurd’s suggestions cover the entire spectrum of performing arts in education. He noted the need to continue the string program that currently exists in the primary school through the middle school. Right now, string students have no outlet in the middle school and seek other opportunities, such as the Monmouth Conservatory, Red Bank. He also outlined the current state of the band instruments and the money it would take to repair and service them.
Hurd also proposed that complete lighting and sound equipment be purchased to promote the performing arts, and that the school also should stress theater and drama.
"We want to identify some of the great talents we may have in the district," said Hall.
Some of Hurd’s proposals even challenge the traditions of the education system. He writes that a scheduling conflict can be resolved by putting teachers on a staggered schedule in which they would start and end their teaching days at different times.
Hurd acknowledged during his presentation that some of his suggestions are in the realm of a wish list. He also said that he assembled the document as much for himself as for the district so that he had a plan to follow in implementing major changes.
"A few percentage points on a standardized test is an admirable goal, but it will not fundamentally alter the atmosphere within our buildings," he wrote.
Hurd’s proposal met with approval from board members and the people in attendance at the meeting. Most board members made statements of affirmation following Hurd’s proposal.
"You won’t find anyone at this table that will disagree with you," said board President John McMahon. He added that the challenge now is to address funding, work within the existing budget to accomplish as much as possible toward the desired goal, and pursue grant writing.
"The board has to be cognizant of the budget," said Hall in a telephone interview this week. "Within the framework of the budget they set priorities. We look at this as a high priority."
Hall added that the district has already advertised for another music teacher for next year who will fill in some of the gaps outlined by Hurd in his report.