Although music programs might be some of the first casualties of looming education cuts, Mike Doughty, founder of the Athens Music in the Schools program, considers them an important part of the education process.
“Music is what makes the world go around,” Doughty said. “It sets a person’s mood and affects the way they feel.”
It was due to his own passion for music that Doughty started Athens Music in the Schools, an organization aimed at bringing professional musicians to Athens-area schools to teach workshops.
The Athens Music in the Schools Committee sponsors the annual Athens Winter Jazz and Blues Festival, which opens today and continues through tomorrow evening. The festival is headlined by Mark “The Loveman” Pender and Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg of Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band, and will also feature Shirley King, daughter of the famed B.B. King, and several local bands.
The festival consists of a mix of performances and an afternoon workshop for high school students tomorrow. Other highlights of the festival include tonight’s Pender Bender Pub Crawl and tomorrow evening’s performance from the students of the workshop.
“This is such a great opportunity to see live music in Athens, and I think the variety of venues makes it possible for all ages to enjoy,” said Paige Alost, executive director of the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Musicians will play at various Athens bars as well as Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville.
Matt Urminski of Athens’ own Elemental Groove Theory echoed Doughty’s appreciation for music in schools.
“Aside from the physical and mental challenges involved in learning an instrument, it teaches students teamwork, presentation and performance skills, and self-confidence,” Urminski said.
Urminski said every member of Elemental Groove Theory benefitted in some way from having a musical education. Many of the members’ good friends were made through music programs, and it was through high school orchestra and band that Urminski started his first bands.
“It may seem silly when you’re a kid in the marching band,” Urminski said, “but once you get older you really appreciate having that experience.”
nb360409@ohiou.edu
@ThePostCulutre
