Often the Island Trees music program is overshadowed by the success of our academic and athletic programs. Proudly, Island Trees has been on the list for “Best Communities for Music Education” three times in the last decade. The benefits of music education are well known. The research shows students participating in music education programs demonstrate far greater academic success than non-music students. In fact, the correlation to school success is even more noticeable in middle school. Of course, our children participate in our music programs not because of the achievement benefits, but because they love it. We have hundreds of children participate in our outstanding summer music programs and hundreds more who take part in our talent shows, musicals and concerts.
Our music and arts department is led by Mr. Peter Gibbons who is devoted to music education and appreciation. He has made many outstanding contributions to our music programs, as well as to our student’s appreciation of the arts. Undoubtedly, Mr. Gibbon’s best work has been with his recruitment of our top quality music educators. Naturally, their exemplary work with our children has facilitated much of our success and helped nurture a culture where music education thrives.
During the holiday season, students walk through our school hallways singing and humming their new holiday songs in anticipation of our concerts. Not surprisingly, our students devote many extra hours practicing for their upcoming concerts. This is by no means as easy task because our students are balancing their class work, as well as many other extra curricular activities, including athletics. Indeed, we are proud of all of these remarkably talented students and look forward to their upcoming performances.
We welcome the school community’s attendance at the following music events in Island Trees:
Concert Dates
Monday, Dec. 6, Elementary Concert, 7 p.m., Island Trees HS auditorium.
Thursday, Dec. 9, Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Concert, 7 p.m., Island Trees HS auditorium.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, HS Chorus/Orchestra, 7 p.m., Island Trees HS auditorium.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, HS Band/Community Choir, 7 p.m., Island Trees HS auditorium.
