Page 7 - Info Magazine nr 13 Nov 2020_Classical

What is your goal for the students partici- had a strong belief that wind instrument or- Cooperation in the Netherlands with Foundation
pating in the Class Band? chestras play only at funerals and parades. It
AVELI: is essential to promote wind instrument music
My first and foremost goal is to create the and studies. ‘More Music in the Classroom’
wish to make music in the students. As well
to make the students wish to work together In the Netherlands there is a foundation with Queen Maxima
and strive for a shared purpose. Even if in the as honorable chairman which has its goal in bringing music
beginning the students don’t seem to know education to every primary school in the Netherlands. Sup-
how to appreciate the joy and effort that is put ported by the ministry of Education, Culture and Science and
in, it is visible that as the time goes by, there many other parties and with cooperation with conservatories
are more and more happy eyes and support and pedagogical academies it is the most important foundati-
for each other. The ultimate goal is that the on for promoting music education in NL.
students would be able to play in an orchestra We are very happy to cooperate as we share the same goal:
and play pieces without having music school give children the opportunity to learn to play music and provi-
education. de them with music education in different ways.
GUNNAR: We will increase our possibilities and share knowledge and
An alternative to a music school is important, networks together.
because some talented students just don’t Mrs. Jantien Westerveld, director of the foundation, started 14
have enough time for multiple subjects. When years ago with us the first Class Bands in Amstelveen, a city
they have acquired the basic skills then it is near Amsterdam. At that time she was the director of the mu-
possible to come back to music later in life. sic school in Amstelveen and she knows Class Band system
During the end of Soviet Union times, people very well.
What do you think is the added value of a GUNNAR:
Class Band? I encourage general education school’s direc- Every child deserves to get music education at
AVELI: tors in Post-Soviet states to use the YCB me- primary school
The added value is that the whole class can thod as a part of the general school program.
collectively learn how to play instruments. It is an important aid for wind instrument or- Music makes people happy. lts intrinsic value helps us stay healthy - in fact, it ma-
kes all of society healthier. Music is an integral part of life, and it plays a key role in
The students can motivate and support each chestras to re-emerge in general education
other. A little bit of competition arises, which schools. School orchestra is an important part all cultures, not just our own. We turn to music at important moments, both in ce-
lebration and in mourning. Music heals; it relaxes us, energises us, conneds people
makes the students set new goals. of school culture!
GUNNAR: and brings us together. lt shapes our identity.
The revival of wind instrument orchestras in from the Music Teachers’ agreement for primary teacher training colleges and music colleges.
schools.
Students getting to socialize. There are several things need to be in place before mu-
Promotion of wind orchestra music and gene- sic education can become a structural feature at primary
rating interest towards playing wind instru- schools:
ments. * awareness of the importance of music education
* good infrastructure and facilities
What would you like to learn yourself? * music eduaction
AVELI and GUNNAR * a continuous learning pathway
How to organize group studies even better * expert teachers and subject teachers now and in the
meanwhile staying calm and professional. future
Also how to help those who are a bit behind
in a way that doesn’t waste time for those who Nationwide collaboration is essential to ensure that mu-
are more advanced during the lesson sic becomes just as integral a part of the curriculum as
maths, reading and sport. With that aim in mind, the pri-
Would you like to say something to your Eu- mary teacher training colleges and music colleges have
ropean colleagues? entered into a nationwide collaboration that is set to last
AVELI: from 2020 until 2032.
Let’s stick together and bring happiness to We are happy to join and do what we can do to bring mu-
students. Let’s play our instruments and show sic to every child in society!
that together we can make music and enjoy it.