School Music
Last night, I was Master of Ceremonies (narrator) for the 2011 Baltimore County Honors orchestra, Choir, and Band concert at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. What a night. I felt truly honored to be a part of it. Over 250 students from Baltimore County High School music programs audition for the honors concert, then have one weekend of rehearsal before the concert. Guest conductors from college music departments around the country come for this event to lead the various groups. They make amazing music.
In an era of ruthless efficiency, where math, science, and other high-tech subjects seem to trump anything remotely associated with the humanities, it gives one a lot of hope to see a high school music program that is so successful. Baltimore County is in a “changing of the guard” situation right now, with a new County Executive in office, and a new Superintendent of Schools to be named. Let’s hope that they continue to place a priority on this and other programs for the arts. The value of these programs may be unquantifiable, but it is also immeasurable.
