Jazz classes added to schools

Extra-curricular jazz ensembles at Whitefish high and middle schools will likely become official classes next school year.

Band teacher Mark McCrady is requesting approval for the new classes that will meet during “zero hour” before the official start of the school day.

McCrady said the new courses will benefit the students.

“Very few of our students can afford to take more than one music course during the school day while staying on a pre-planned college prep track,” he said. “Meeting in the early morning allows more students to participate in these groups without academic or athletic schedule conflicts.”

The school board briefly discussed the proposal June 10 generally showing its support. However, the board tabled the item because the exact language wasn’t yet ready for a memorandum of agreement between the district and the Whitefish Education Association teachers union that will allow for McCrady to teach the courses. The board is expected to approve the class Wednesday during a special meeting.

Trustee Dave Fern said he liked the idea that students will get class credit.

“The more that we can do, the better for music opportunities,” he said. “This is terrific.”

Trustee Shawn Watts said he supports the new classes and praised McCrady.

“I applaud the fact that our staff is finding a way to make this happen,” he said. “This is outlined in our vision for performing arts and technology to come together and make this happen.”

The high school class will meet on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:35 to 8:25 a.m. The middle school class will meet on Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Middle school students will study the basic elements of jazz and high school students will study style features for swing, Latin, funk and ballad tunes. Groups from both schools will perform throughout the school year and participate in the district music festival.

About 30 middle school students and 25 high school students are anticipated to participate.

In addition to receiving credit for the courses, McCrady noted that official classes also benefit students by allowing the teacher to hold all members to high standards through accountability tools such as attendance and grades.