I remember the first time I saw this picture, was in the Church History Museum in SLC. I was impressed that all those years ago the founders of our comunities placed such a high value on music and the arts. Of course my first thought was, " I didn't know those musical insturments had been invented yet". In the interest of looking for pictures to post on this and my facebook group site I went to Nelle Hatch's book on the Academia Juarez 1901-1976 to look for pictures and info on the history of band at the JSA. The following info comes from that book.This picture is of the band in 1905 which is just 8 years after the founding of the school. I suspect this isn't the first year they had band. ( I think that bass drum is still at the school. ha ha)
I love the slide show presentation. Where did you find so many great pictures? I love the band/music program at the JSA. I never had the opportunity to attend as a youth but all my children have benefitted from the many great teachers and the variety of presentations and trips where they were able to perform.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that the JSA band will not exist for a short season. I look back at was not that long ago to my time at the JSA and the memorable experiences I had. Many of my most fond and cherished memories come from being in that great school and what was their amazing music program. I hope the youth will see the folies of their choices and the parents will give what I like to call "Tough love." :)
ReplyDelete-Keith Hatch
I remember so fondly the "end of the year" concert in 1992! Preston and Angie were both in it and we loved every second of it! The music and singing were great and the kids had the very best time! You, Ken & Lauretta did an amazing job with that program! The excitement and animo we all felt after that program were amazing! I remember Preston begging me to NOT MAKE HIM sing "Earth Angel!" I didn't give in and he did it and now our family LOVES to watch the video of that concert! Back then, we didn't give our kids the choice if they WANTED to be in band or not! They HAD to go to band and I don't think a single one of them regrets our making them be a part of it! I think it's good for us all to do things we don't want to do! It builds character and strength! I personally wish the kids at the JSA had YOU back there helping with the music program Ken! You have so much to offer! Your Jazz Bands have been the high-light throughout the years!
ReplyDeleteWell, I have held off commenting until I "cooled" down a bit. First of all, how did we get to this point??!! I don't know details or really care to know, but, FIX IT! Whatever the problem, let it go, "build a bridge and get over it!" It is not worth it for the students sake. I feel that there is a lack of support, (for whatever reason) in the administration, so therefore the students are going to have a no care attitude, as well as their parents. I know, parents should make their kids go, but when there is such inconsistentcy and lack of "animo", higher up, it spills over to all of us. I don't know the reasons, but Ken Farnsworth could do the whole music program, chorus, band, jazz band etc. Why not let him do, what he has a God given talent to do! To me it's a no brainer. There he is, right up there in Col. Juarez! History has already proven his talent and ability. More than angry, I am sad. All the work of teaching grade school students, to get them to a level so that they could continue on and experience those really neat and well prepared concerts seems to be a thing of the past. Preparing for and performing in front of an audience, is great training for our children and great confidence boosters. There is no other extra curricular area of the JSA that gets more parental support and attendence than the JSA musical concerts. With the attitude of the JSA music program now, it is going to effect the children at the grade schools, and their parents. They will think, "why excel and work hard, there's nothing up there anymore". That is what I am hearing from parents of grade school students. We are a small school and don't have alot of extra curricular programs like they do in highschools in the states. But we did have a great music program, where students were given opportunites to "shine". I still thank the music program for the confidence that my children still have from being involved in music. I was blessed that each of my children were there at the JSA when they had a great music program. I also consider all of my students that I taught at the Dublan grade school, "my children" too. I am sad that they don't have that wonderful music program that we used to have. We have lots of talent up there, let's put it to good use! We can't give up! Let's get back on track! Whatever it takes! Sincerly, Chris Jones
ReplyDeleteAmen to what Aunt Chris said! I don't think it is so much the parents fault, but more the administrations fault for letting it come to this point. Little by little I have seen their support for extra curricular actvities dwindle.(Cheerleading,music,soccer,track,etc.) That is not fair for the few but stong students who do want to succed at more in life than just attending curriculum classes day after day and not becoming well rounded in these other areas. What happens when they get to college and all they know are the basic curriculum subjects? I know I wouldn't have enjoyed my college years as much if that was all I knew. At the JSA I attend just about everything that was offered to me, just like many others did, and no I was not forced by my parents to do so, it was something I was excited to do. After seeing concerts and musicals I participated in bring others happiness, I was more motivated to continue. Maybe the students need more motivation from their peers, who knows! I do believe Ken Farnsworth can get this up and running again and I am optimistic that this WILL and MUST happen!
ReplyDelete~Whitney (Call) Wertz