English High School Today
English High Students Receive Scholarships for Prestigious Summer Music Camp at Berklee College of Music
English High School Music Teacher, David Carkner says that recent news about three of his students is “music to my ears.”
The students were awarded scholarships for the Berklee College of Music’s five week long ‘Aspire’ program, one of the world’s most comprehensive summer music performance programs. The prestigious Berklee College of Music, located in downtown Boston, was founded in 1945 by English High alumnus Lawrence Berkowitz (Berk), a member of the class of 1927. Among well-known alumni of the college are: Quincy Jones, Wyclef Jean, Melissa Etheridge, Joey Kramer and Branford Marsalis!
Teacher David Carkner leads the English High band on stage in the school’s auditorium.
To apply for the summer program, students were required to record themselves performing on their instrument to demonstrate their skills. Carkner, who’s been teaching music for ten years, says, “It’s great to get the kids familiar with the audition process as it helps them to be more comfortable in future auditions in the professional world.” The rigorous five-week training program involves music theory classes, attending rehearsals, taking private lessons, and exploring the world of music in depth.
Carkner says, “One of the greatest benefits of this program is that student musicians who attend are passionate about their craft and desire to be better every day. This attitude spreads throughout the community at Berklee and then resonates when the students return to their schools. It is a unique and inspiring experience for our students to see that passion in action and to bring that passion back to English High’s flourishing program.”
Music Matters
He adds, “Music is important for students. Practicing and performing music ignites all the different parts of our brain and allows us to think more clearly and quickly in other school subjects. There have been countless studies on the effect of music on the brain that illustrate this. Also, students see the band room as a safe haven from other challenges of their day. A student might struggle in math or history but when they get to band or drumline class, they excel. This builds their confidence and gives them a strong reason to get to school every day.”
Read More About:
“Music is Life” – The English High School Music Program
World Famous Berklee College of Music in Boston Founded by Lawrence Berk EHS ‘27
English High’s Drumline perform at the 200th Anniversary Gala Event.
Arts and Music at English High:
One of Four “Fundraising Pillars” for EHSA
EHSA has designated Arts and Music programs at English High School as one of four “Fundraising Pillars” — programs where it is focusing support to for today’s English High students.
Half of the student body are involved in English High’s Music program that includes the only performing Marching Band among Boston High Schools as well as the school’s much-admired Drumline.
Won’t you consider a gift to help the English High School Association continue to provide vital support for today’s English High students? Click here to learn more about giving opportunities including our new Sustaining Donor Program.
