Schools

Music Programming to Return in Dearborn Middle Schools

After years without music at some Dearborn schools, the program returns.

Instrumental and vocal music programs are returning to all Dearborn middle schools by next semester, according to the Dearborn Press and Guide.

Though Dearborn offers music at its elementary and high schools, music has been absent in some middle schools over the years due to low enrollment and budget restrictions, the report said.

But growing enrollment and continued pressure from parents and the community has helped bring the classes back.

Salina Intermediate, Stout Middle and Woodworth Middle schools will all be starting new music programs this winter, including both vocal and instrumental classes, Gail Shenkman, associate superintendent for secondary education, told the Press and Guide.

Jim Walters, a local music teacher, will be leaving his current position at Snow Elementary to help jumpstart the programs at Stout and Woodworth. Walters will act as the choir, string and band teacher for both middle schools. 

“I am going to throw myself into developing the best program I can at both schools,” Walters told the Press and Guide.

Additionally, the district is hoping to get high school musicians to visit the middle schools and recruit students into the program, the report said.

Parents interested in signing their kids up for music should contact their school's counselor for more information. Classes are expected to begin by late January.


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