Music Matters: The Teacher Who Led the Revival of the Grace High School Choir and Band ...

credit: sheknows

When Beth Buxton took over the music program at Grace High School in Grace, Idaho, she had seen four different teachers in seven years.

"There was lots and lots of turnover," she tells KBOI.

"And I always wanted to prove that wrong, so I wanted to come to a small school and make it successful."

Now, 11 years later, hundreds of musically fulfilled students and 60% of the entire student body actively participating in the school's choir and band, she says, "It's one of the only activities you can do that works both sides of your brain."

Buxton began with just 14 students in the Serendipity choir, but that number quickly grew to 60 to 75 singers, with roughly 60% of the student body now actively participating in the group, which has become well-known for its innovation, crisp harmonies, and high energy concerts.

The Grace High School band has followed a similar trajectory, expanding from its humble beginnings, now putting an instrument in the hands of more than one-third of the high school's students.

Buxton cites several factors, including a yearly spring choir trip to someplace warm, empowering students to lead and even help select music, and finally, early administrative support that granted school credit for those wishing to sing.

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