Music creates opportunities like nothing else can

By Ginna Young

In the past years, the Cornell School District music program has been on the decline, but this school year, the band and choir is under new management. Hired at the end of last school year, Nick Peters has already made a huge impact on the program, jumping in to revitalize public performances.

Since coming to Cornell, Peters has worked with elementary students in the after-school program, starting a band, in order to build a stable platform for more ambitious performances in the future. He’s also put together a pep band that has played some of the basketball games this year, along with returning to Solo & Ensemble, something the students haven’t experience for a number of years.

They also hosted a large group festival, and made endeavors to collaborate and connect with other local music educators.

“The benefit is growth of confidence and pride within the music department,” said Peters. “We are creating opportunity for the students that they’ve not had in the past.”

In just the few months since he’s held the reins, Peters has numbers and ability grow within the program. Future plans include a beginning guitar class and introducing the students to more modern musical styles into the academic setting.

“I’m going to keep pushing forward into more public performance,” said Peters. “A music department can thrive, based on public support. Additionally, younger students watching older students performing on instruments, can bolster recruitment efforts.”

People sometimes think of music as frivolous or just a hobby, but Peters knows the value of music on others, not just emotionally, but also economically, as it has a great impact on the Chippewa Valley, generating millions of dollars into the local economy.

Putting all the pieces together, Peters is working to create the best music environment he can, for the students and community.

“There aren’t many areas of study that can provide the unique and memorable experiences, the way music can,” said Peters. “It is omnipresent in our society, and it would be hard or nearly impossible, to imagine a world without music.”