Following in the footsteps of her musical colleagues, professional harpist Rachel Hair is spending a week travelling across Shetland during May.

She will be bringing live musical performances to patients, residents, children and staff at 10 different care settings across the isles.

Harpist Rachel Hair.

Described as one of the UKs finest contemporary Celtic harpists and tunesmiths by Songlines, she will be performing on behalf of Scottish charity Music in Hospitals.

This is the charitys third annual visit to Shetland, which has once again been made possible thanks to ongoing support from Total E&P UK Limited (TEP UK).

Hair will take her harp, songs and her wide repertoire of Celtic, Scots and traditional music to service users at: North Haven Care Home, Brae; Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick; Edward Thomason House and Taing Support Services, Lerwick; Overtonlea Care Home, Levenwick; Nordalea Care Home, Unst; Isleshavn Care Home, Yell; Montfield Support Services, Lerwick; Wastview Care Home, Walls; Anderson High School ASN Dept, Lerwick; and Walter & Joan Gray Home, Scalloway.

All audience members will be encouraged to enjoy the music in any way they choose; by participating, singing along, making requests, dancing or just sitting back and relaxing. Live music is known to have a highly therapeutic and beneficial impact for people in care; a view that is supported by ongoing research as well as care staff present at the charitys performances.

Music in Hospitals Scotland chief executive Florence Burke said: We are thrilled to be back in Shetland again this Spring. Rachels tour has been made possible by generous support from TEP UK, supporters of MiH for over 36 years.

We are hugely proud to be contributing the wealth of musical activity for which these islands are renowned and we look forward to revisiting many of the care settings we have been to in previous years. We wish all audience members wonderful concerts over the coming week.

Jenny Wink of Total E&P UK added: I have been fortunate to attend many Music in Hospitals concerts and seen for myself the joy, delight and comfort these talented musicians bring to people living in care residences across north east Scotland.

I am delighted that Totals support now extends to the Shetland Islands where music has always played a hugely important part of island life. Im sure Rachel (Hair) will bring her own unique talent to each performance and will have everyone joining in.

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Acclaimed harpist to perform at isles care centres and hospitals - Shetland Times Online

Finals week can be filled with stress, sleepless nights and heavy caffeine, but there are many healthy efficient ways to destress such as reading, music and exercise.

Reading a book

Reading for 30 minutes a day can distract the mind and reduce stress by over 68 percent, according to an August 18, 2016 Mercola article.

Reading can relax the body and mind to improve focus and is a great way to spend some free time. Senior psychology major Emily Adams said she uses reading and writing to distract herself from overworking.

I like to use it to live in a different world, Adams said. It gives me a break from reality.

Listening to Music

Music is another popular way to destress and many students use music as an escape and distraction.

Music absorbs the attention of the listener and allows the body to relax, according to the Psychcentral.com homepage. Music can also slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones.

Bree Arend, sophomore special education major, said music gives her a break and helps her find her happy place.

I mainly listen to alternative and metal music to destress, Arend said. Since I have anxiety, it calms me down.

Different types of music have different effects on the listeners, according to Psych Central. Calm music is the best type to listen to, but it all depends on the individual.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best stress relievers and can be as simple as a short walk, according to Mayoclinic.com. Staying healthy during finals is key to keeping the mind sharp, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Eating good meals, exercising for30 minutes and avoiding caffeine is important to keeping the body healthy and stress free. Exercise releases endorphins that can later help improve memory and relax the mind, according to a November 29, 2016 article on Harvard.com.

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Students destress with relaxing activities - Northern Star Online

TumbleSeed is a game where you guide your character forward on a seesaw-esque swing on a journey to scale a hazardous mountain. We play the first twenty minutes in this Kotaku Plays.

TumbleSeed has two sides. On the one hand, it offers a friendly world of cute monster pals and relaxing music. On the other, it gives you tricky explorations. To move, you tilt a small seesaw-like contraption to slide across the screen. Its both intuitive and difficult to gain a grasp of. As a core mechanic, the idea is really cool and makes a lot of sense; getting your muscles to obey is another thing altogether.

Theres some charming stuff to be had here though. Random hazards keep your on your toes and the mood is remarkably subdued. Im eager to sit down and play more. I just imagine it will take a while for me to stop tilting and tumbling all over.

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Tumbleseed Is An Adventure You Tilt Your Character Through - Kotaku

Beijings spring is exciting, not only because its short, but also because this is when the food and beverage industry come out of their winterhibernation. Sureo, the Mediterranean restaurant in the sunken garden of The Opposite House, is no different, having just launched their all-new weekend brunch put together using the Mediterranean influences of fresh and seasonal ingredients under the lead of Chef Talib Hudda, previously of The Georg.

The brunch kicks off with a bread basket, which has four varities two whole grain breads, a small croissant, and a chocolate pastry, paired with homemade raspberry jam and butter. Meanwhile, you can head to the buffet table inside for a refreshing starter. Unlike the stereotypical hotel buffet, Sureo offers a vast series of appetizers. Among the best of those starters are: cheese and cold cuts, salmon, oysters, different salads (such as duck leg and lentil salad; spinach and strawberry; chickpearl,pearl barley, and lentil), grilled vegetables, yogurt, and our favorite; the cold steamed cod with cauliflower and almonds. We loved it not only forits artisanal look, but also for the tenderness of the cod, the seasoning, and the crisp slices of almonds.

As for the main, you can pick one from the list;egg-lovers eggs Benedict, scrambled egg (with a choice of soffritto onion, pepper, celery, or salmon with spinach), country style omelette (mushroom or white cheddar); or shakshuka, chicken leg (with potato rsti and barigoule pure), beef cheek, zarzuela (a traditional Spanish stew ofcuttlefish, squid, sea bass, green peas, and broccoli), duck cavatelli, and smoked carrot agnolotti.

The shakshuka (pictured above), was served in a shiny pot, garnished with cilantro, and also had two slices of whole grain bread. The acidic tomatoes shone through the feta cheese, onion, and pearl barley, without stealing the thunder ofthe poached egg on top or the heat of the spices. The surprisingpart was that the chef popped the pearl barley first, which gave the dish a little more texture.

Our favorite was the beef cheek, which was served with buttery potato pure, charred leek, and cumin butter. The juicy beef cheek melted in my mouth thanks to its tenderness. Even thoughit was quite lean, the cheek glittered as a result of the sauce,with some bites of leek adding to the dish'sartistic side.

You can also choose one of five desserts to cleanse the palate, including chocolate and raspberry tart, million layer tiramisu crpe cake, nectarine tatin, roasted cocoa withvanilla ice cream, and a fruit plate. The nectarine tatin was tasty. Its caramelized sugar and thick sliced nectarine on top added sweet and fruity dimensions to this already pleasurable, buttery, rich tart. We only wish we could'veswapped the whipped cream with ice cream.

The alluring ambiance only added to the meal: relaxing music, a nice breeze, and a gastronomic experience in an al fresco dining area, still hidden from the hustle and bustle of the Sanlitun crowds. If you are a fan of the outdoors then enjoy your brunch in the beautiful sunken garden, surrounded by lush bamboo greenery, or stayindoors and watch the chefs live in action as they prepare your food, says Mark Passmore, General Manager of The Opposite House.

The brunch is available on weekends, at 11am-3pm, costing RMB 298 net. Aselection of free-flow wines is RMB 150 (including Paxton The Guesser red, Pierre Chainier 1749 rose, and Royal Tokaji late harvest), or free-flow champagne is an additional RMB 200 (Duval Leroy brut)*. Make a reservation by emailing info@surenorestaurant.com or calling 6410 5240.

*Does not include VAT and service charge, which makes the brunch cost a total of RMB 348.

More stories by this authorhere.

Email:tracywang@thebeijinger.com Twitter:@flyingfigure Instagram:@flyingfigure

Photos: Tracy Wang,Sureo

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Sureo's New Weekend Brunch is Worthy of Your Weekend - The Beijinger (blog)

As much as we appreciate the mug that says Worlds Greatest Nurse on it, finding practical ways to maintain high morale and work performance while serving others can be challenging. In this business, its easy to place the needs of others before ourselves. But experts recognize thatwork performance improves when caregivers take time every day to care for themselves. The sad reality is nurses accept health problems that come from the physical and emotional demands of the profession, and while caring for others often do not care for themselves saysSusan Letvak, PhD, RN, FAAN.

Along with suffering from higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders, higher risks of acquiring blood-borne pathogen infections, tuberculosis, and allergies, Letvak found that hospital-employed bedside nurses had a 17% depression rate compared to the national rate of only 9%.

With National Nurses Week scheduled May 6 12, now is the perfect time for nurses, and those who rely on them, to celebrate the essential role of nursing. Here are seven ways to uncover your best self while you provide the best care for others.

1. Learn to love lavender.

Whether enjoyed as a candle or applied as an essential oil, lavender is popular for its soothing, relaxing properties. For added benefits, try combining a few drops of lavender oil within a small spray bottle of water and spritz your bedsheets, pillows, closet, car seatsanywhere you may enjoy a quick emotional lift.

2. Rediscover bathtime.

Combining essential oils, a relaxing candle, comforting music, and a hot bath is the best diagnosis for pampering and ultimate relaxation. Unlike a quick shower, a lingering bath is the perfect prescription for weary muscles.

3. Schedule a healing massage.

As a popular remedy for treating patients suffering from anxiety or muscle tension, the basic massage can be a secret weapon for igniting much-needed energy to finish your day. We bring in a massage therapist for students and staff every few weeks where they can receive a 15-minute neck and upper back massage, says Julie Aiken, CEO of Ameritech College of Healthcare. If you dont have a massage therapy handy, here are five easy ways to give yourself a quick massage.

4. Hit the trails.

There is something special about nature that helps calm those anxious feelings. A study conducted by the University of Michigan School of Medicine found that group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being. If you lack the time, take a 30-minute stroll around the nearest park or public garden. The fresh air and physical activity will do wonders for your physical and emotional health.

5. Be still for 15 minutes.

The practice of meditation has been used for thousands of years as a tool for relieving stress and anxiety and providing clarity on our relationship with surrounding elements. Our nursing philosophies are grounded in caring and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, spirit, social/cultural, emotions, relationships, context, and environment, Aiken says. All of these aspects combine to create a person; in order to heal the whole person. A 15-minute investment in personal reflection and meditation can prepare someone to experience hours of peace throughout the day.

6. Greet the sunrise.

On that same line, waking up early to start the day with the sunrise helps put things in proper perspective. Whatever happened yesterday, its a new dayliterally.

7. Yoga.

We hear about the benefits of yoga virtually everywhereand with good reason. Yoga is more than just exercise. Its benefits can be realized from within the body and from without the body, saysKerstin McSteen, BSN, MSN, ACHPN, CNS-BC. A consistent yoga practice can have a positive impact on body chemistry, disease prevention, symptom reduction or alleviation, and emotional health. Whether taking a class or enjoying online personal instruction, yoga is a popular and effective addition to your daily routine.

This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Healthy Nurse, expand your role as one of our most important caregivers to include self-care. By making your physical and emotional well-being a top priority, you can be sure you are providing the best care for others while youve taken the time to care for yourself.

Have you ever noticed how many altruistic nurses there are out there in the world or even just in your own community? Ill bet you dollars to stale breakroom donuts that youre one of them. It seems as though its an inseparable quality inherent in most health care providers. Altruism

Its no secret a busy nurse will spend most working hours indoors. During the winter months, you will probably arrive at your job as the sun is coming up, and you leave when the sun is going down. However, remaining in the same environment every day can lead to feeling

Knowing a few simple breathwork strategies can be a valuable tool for nurses during a hectic workday. While youre probably most familiar with the pursed lip breathing technique you use on your patients who are short of breath, other types of breathwork can be beneficial to you, the clinician, as

As a nurse, you spend your days caring for others in hospitals, rehab centers, in their homes, and many other places. Then you come home and may care for family members, spouses, children, and/or pets. But when do you take time to care for yourself? Now, before you begin saying,

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Great Ways to Care for Yourself During National Nurses Week - DailyNurse (blog)

BOARDMAN A family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebration is planned in Boardman.

Sponsored by the Morrow County Unified Recreation District, the free event is Saturday from 4-10 p.m. at Boardman Marina Park. The celebration features food, live entertainment and dancing. A karaoke contest, which include prizes, kicks off the event. Kathie Goad, committee secretary/treasurer, said the evening includes three bands who will be playing Hispanic music.

Food options, Goad said, will be provided by Apazingan Taco Truck, Quality Concessions and Food on the Fry. Also, Liliana Medrano will be on hand with her ice cream truck and some last minute surprises.

Come enjoy a relaxing evening of music, food and entertainment under the stars, Goad said.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/boardmancincodemayo.

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Boardman hosts family-friendly festival - East Oregonian (subscription)

It started with a tense, stressed-out dog. The owner of that dog, Daisy, is singer-songwritergnash, best known for the hit, i hate you, i love you. After using medication and consulting with an animal behaviorist, gnash decided to a compose musicto sooth his stressed canine.

Gnashs initial research pointed to reggae as the most calming music for dogs. Digging deeper, he found that certain musical elements, including simpler arrangements and repetitions, provoked soothing responses in dogs.

That sparked a creative project that resulted in a really effective track. Seriously, try this with your anxious, hyper, or unhappy dog.

Crazy, right? Indeed, the effects on actual dogs is pretty remarkable.

Interestingly, gnash was setting out to solve a personal problem with his own dog. But what resulted is a solution that may end up working for millions of dogs. Even the happy ones.

Actually, heres a video that shows the creative process and journey by gnash.

Of course, Gnashs song for daisy has been doing the trick for Daisy. But its also being heavily used for byNo-Kill Los Angeles, a non-kill shelter.

The connection with No-Kill comes from Daisy herself, who is also a rescue. And like many rescues, Daisy exhibits signs of previous stress. We want to ensure that dogs, when they are awaiting adoption, have as good an experience as they can, said Professor Neil Evans, Professor of Integrative Physiology at Glasgows Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine.

Most people adopting from a shelter want a dog that is relaxed and interacts positively. Music can help dogs become less stressed and show their true personality.

Evans also pointed to reggae as a relaxing favorite for dogs. But thats not all. The biggest effects come from soft rock and reggae, Evans noted. Motown, pop and classical music produce lesser effects.

Gnashs release could broaden awareness forthe field of psycho-acoustic therapy for animals. Indeed, music therapy is a powerful and calming force, for dogs and humans alike. It was a powerful experience to watch an entire room full of dogs, and my own rescue dog Daisy, react to this song, said gnash. It was incredible to be able to create music that transcends human emotion and has the ability to connect with these animals on a deeper level.

Accordingly, the next move is to spread this to other rescue shelters. I hope this video and song helps other rescue pet owners comfort their furry friends the same way it did mine.

Calming music for dogs

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The Most Calming Music for Dogs Ever Created - Digital Music News - Digital Music News

By STEPHANIE BUNKER

Moapa Valley Progress

Lets Play Music recital was held last Friday night. Students graduated onto the next step in the program and showcased the songs they learned along the way. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE BUNKER/Moapa Valley Progress.

Music is relaxing, beautiful, and fun; especially through the Lets Play Music childrens program with instructor Stephanie Tobler. A recital was held on Friday evening April 28 to showcase the lively melodies the kids have learned throughout the past year. The program involves a 3 year commitment and each of the 3 age groups performed at the recital.

The youngest group, called the Blue Bugs, began the show singing the fun songs they learned throughout the year and playing chords on the bells and autoharp. Tobler explained that the first year of the program the children are learning through play by learning the foundational building blocks of music as they internalize it.

Following the Blue Bugs performance, the Yellow Arrows began their portion of the evening with their musical journey throughout the year showing how they brought the chords to the keyboard. The third and final group of was called the Orange Roots. These students are now ready to move on to private instrument instruction. They played rhythms and melodys on the keyboard for the audience during the recital. The goal of the recital was to show the parents, specifically the dads, what we are doing and what the value of it is, said Tobler.

She described the purpose of each song to show that they arent just fun songs, but the students are actually learning during the fun. Tobler explained that this comprehensive music program combines the techniques of learning to hear the music, and reading the notes as well. Music is like learning a type of language and becomes second nature to them, Tobler said.

The Lets Play Music program operates between the ages of 4 and 6 when young brains have the most aptitude for developing musical talent, Tobler said. This program begins before the childrens fingers have the dexterity for the piano. They start by learning how to listen for music and develop an ear for it. It makes it easier to sight read and be able to decode the notes on the staff better, not one note at a time but to recognize it as a broken chord, Tobler said.

This was Toblers 9th year of teaching Lets Play Music. She is excited to see repeat families coming back with siblings to go through the course because of the results the program has shown. Tobler warned that the program is somewhat of a lifestyle change because the music goes home with them to practice and learn in order to reinforce the patterns.

Tobler also offers a class to toddlers called Sound Beginnings, available to ages 2-4. This class gets the kids ready for the Lets Play Music program and allows parent bonding through music, she said. Tobler holds sample classes to give the parent and child an idea of what the class is like. To contact Tobler about the program at stephanietobler@letsplaymusicsite.com.

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Local 'Let's Play Music' Program Holds Spring Recital - mvprogress

While classical concerts are typically associated with formality, one instructor is trying to promote a more relaxing setting for her repertoire: a stage decorated with a couch, lamps, family photos and a virtual fireplace.

Timna Mayer, graduate teaching assistant at Ithaca College and a violin instructor at Cornell University, brought the idea of living room concerts concerts held in an informal setting where the stage is designed to look like someones living room to the college. She said she wanted a space for musicians to perform without the usual stress and formality of a concert.

I was thinking about the music school and my profession, and I couldnt remember a time I heard someone say, Im doing this because its so relaxing and fun, she said. Usually, its like, Oh, no. I have to go practice.

Mayer recalled studying violin herself from a young age and how playing for fun transformed into a more austere environment as she began studying. Her idea for living room concerts came, in part, as a desire to recapture that feeling of first discovering her passion for playing.

I started playing violin when I was little because I loved the sound of it and I loved playing, she said. At some point after I started studying it just became this really strict environment.

Mayer said her students, mostly nonmajors, have wanted to perform but were intimidated by a typical concert setting.

The concert atmosphere never made sense for me, Mayer said. Why would you be by yourself on a huge stage? How can you communicate your feelings when you are so far away from [the audience]?

While traditional solo music performances have the performer dressed formally and playing on a stage far away from the audience, living room concerts aim to make the experience more personal for both the audience and the performer. She said she wanted to recreate what it was like for 19th-century composers to get together and perform for each other.

Composers like Shubert, for example, used to get together at their houses and play in their living rooms, she said. And he would invite all these different artists and musicians and just play for each other.

Mayer is planning the second living room concert from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 in Nabenhauer Recital Room. There is no dress code, and anybody is welcome to sign up and perform, both students and faculty, not just those who study with her. At the end of the concert, Mayer said, there will be a free improv session for anyone to come and onstage and play.

Part of her motivation is to bring musicians together and celebrate music rather than treating it as a competition. She said that at high levels of performance, musicians sometimes get to a state where they are scared of failure or scared of not being good enough.

I was thinking about what happened to the music world, that its become this state where were always scared and Oh, my God. Other people might be better than we are.

Freshman Emma Rabinowitz attended the first concert and will be performing in the upcoming show. She said she likes the idea because it gives performers a chance to play without the usual pressure associated with student recitals.

I thought it was a really cool experience because when we do concerts here, it can be very stressful, she said. Theyre very formal. But having a living room concert in an informal setting while still playing great music is a good way for us to not feel as stressed and be more relaxed. It feels much more natural.

Rabinowitz said that as a freshman, she hasnt had much experience playing her own recital but that she thinks living room concerts will be a great way for her to experience one in a comfortable setting.

Rabinowitz plans on playing Lgende by Wieniawski on violin.

Senior Benjamin Pawlak, a piano performance major, accompanied soloists in the last living room concert and will perform a solo himself in the upcoming concert. Pawlak, who has been friends with Mayer for a few years, said he feels the relaxed environment comes not only from the decorations but from the audience as well.

There are far more audience members than performers at any given concert, and I think they really dictate the vibe, Pawlak said. Walking into a concert where you have a fireplace projected on a screen and the lights are low its a very homey environment. It helps the audience relax and not view it as some sort of event where you have to be quiet and behave.

Going forward, Mayer said, she would like to hold a concert each month. In addition to promoting a stress-free environment, she said she wants to foster inclusivity and collaboration among musicians attending and performing at the concerts.

Its a good platform for people to just chat and be like, Hey, I really like your band. Can I join you guys once in a while? she said. Theres not enough communication between students because were all so tied up in our coursework.

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Living room concerts brings live music back to it's roots - The Ithacan

To the Editor: I have been associated with music programs for the past 41 years. I believe we vote for our school board members to do what we hope will be best for our students. This time, they are obviously just looking at the bottom line and not the best education for our children. As soon as our board members need to save money, it seems that the music department is the first place they look. I truly believe that if they really knew what music does for a student, I would hope they would think twice about cutting the instrumental music department in any way. You have to remember the student who starts band in fifth grade is really committing themselves, not only for that fifth grade, but for all eight years of their musical education. I have found in my 41 years that, on average, 90 percent of students who start instrumental music continue through 12th grade. Board members think of instrumental music as an elective. With that thinking, wouldnt classes like physics, Spanish and biology be an elective? I believe these classes may have around 25 students per class (and they feel this is too large). If you wish to save money, why not cut their positions to half time or lets just cut FFA or the equivalent altoghter. The concert band alone will average 80 students and the instructor has all these students in his classroom at the same time. Our elementary instrumental department alone is starting 75 students each year. The instrumental music program totals 300 students, and all of these students are being taught by two teachers. Come on, board members, what are you thinking? Social skills are lost when looking at your phone is all you do. I remember when a phone was actually used to physically talk to another person. There are people better at stating the facts than I might be. I would like to reprint just one of the many lists online that states the benefits of a student being in music. This list is titled: 20 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools. Musical training helps develop language and reasoning: Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on young minds. A mastery of memorization: Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond. Students learn to improve their work: Learning music promotes craftsmanship, and students learn to want to create good work instead of mediocre work. This desire can be applied to all subjects of study. Increased coordination: Students who practice with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination. Just like playing sports, children can develop motor skills when playing music. A sense of achievement: Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal. Students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement. Kids stay engaged in school: An enjoyable subject like music can keep kids interested and engaged in school. Student musicians are likely to stay in school to achieve in other subjects. Success in society: Music is the fabric of our society, and music can shape abilities and character. Students in band or orchestra are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime. Musical education can greatly contribute to childrens intellectual development as well. Emotional development: Students of music can be more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures They also tend to have higher self esteem and are better at coping with anxiety. Students learn pattern recognition: Children can develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of musical education. Playing music offers repetition in a fun format. Better SAT scores: Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math for students in music appreciation courses. Fine-tuned auditory skills: Musicians can better detect meaningful, information-bearing elements in sounds, like the emotional meaning in a babys cry. Students who practice music can have better auditory attention, and pick out predictable patterns from surrounding noise. Music builds imagination and intellectual curiosity: Introducing music in the early childhood years can help foster a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity. Artistic education develops the whole brain and develops a childs imagination. Music can be relaxing: Students can fight stress by learning to play music. Soothing music is especially helpful in helping kids relax. Musical instruments can teach discipline: Kids who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument. Preparation for the creative economy: Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers, and these jobs may grow faster than others in the future. Development in creative thinking: Kids who study the arts can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing that there may be more than one right answer. Music can develop spatial intelligence: Students who study music can improve the development of spatial intelligence, which allows them to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures. Spatial intelligence is helpful for advanced mathematics and more. Kids can learn teamwork: Many musical education programs require teamwork as part of a band or orchestra. In these groups, students will learn how to work together and build camaraderie. Responsible risk-taking: Performing a musical piece can bring fear and anxiety. Doing so teaches kids how to take risks and deal with fear, which will help them become successful and reach their potential. Better self-confidence: With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication for students. It also has been documented that schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2 percent graduation rate and 93.9 percent attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 72.9 percent in graduation and 84.9 percent in attendance. A poster outside the Lakeside Elementary School Office said it best: The expert in anything was once a beginner. Mike Tassinari Hometown Music, Inc. Glencoe

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Preserve the benefits of school music program - McLeod County Chronicle