Mission Statement
The SPHS Music Boosters located in South Pasadena, California organizes parents' involvement to support Marching Band, Color Guard, Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Winter Line (Drumline) and Winter Guard through fund raising and volunteering at events and competitions.
Fund raisers that support the Instrumental Music Department are Bingo (Saturday - once a month), snack bar sales at varsity home football games (five nights), and the Spaghetti Dinner held in the Spring. Proceeds benefit the entire Instrumental Music Department and are used to purchase instruments, pay for repairs, pay for competition expenses, etc. Volunteer chaperones are needed for Marching Band competitions in the Fall and Winter Line competitions in the Spring.
We encourage all parents to attend SPHS Music Booster meetings that are usually held on the first Monday of the month from 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. on campus in the choir room.
Arts in Education Week
From the South Pasadena Review, Sept. 16, 2014
Spotlight on the Arts at SPHS
From the SPHS PTSA Tiger Paws Newsletter, Sept. 2014.
September 14 - 20, 2014, Arts in Education Week
In July of 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating the second week of September as "Arts in Education Week" in order to promote and showcase the immense role arts education has in producing engaged, successful, and college and career-ready students.
Here at SPHS we are grateful for a wonderful Arts team! This month we're featuring the SPHS music program, led by Arts Department Chair, Mr. Howard Crawford.
Erik Chan, SPHS Orchestra President 2014-15 has this to say about his experience:
As we settle down into our rows, clanking bows against music stands, finishing conversations, we prepare ourselves for the next 100 minutes. With our instruments in our lap, Mr. Crawford takes his place on the podium. "Let's start with some scales, everybody." Familiar words once one internalizes orchestra's regular routine: scales, technique practice, sight-reading, and going over whatever pieces we happen to be working on.
So what makes every class of orchestra paradoxically unique and - dare I say it - fun? Well, Robert Frost once said, "There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies." By these definitions, Mr. Crawford is his own category. First thing to note, there is never complete approval. In our records, the best so far was an, "I guess it was all right," which, coming from another teacher, might have been reason to jump in joy, pumping fists in the air, feeling like the ultimate product of success.
Mr. Crawford also has a prized cache of his phrases, including "y'all," "ain't nobody got time for that," and the iconic "e'rrbody." He has his own way of silently harnessing respect, yet maintains a friendly and comfortable aura. He often stays after school to watch over band sectionals and practices. He sacrifices the sweet, final weeks of summer vacation, when we panic and stress over first day tests and summer work, to help with band camp. He sustains an active community of musicians. He regularly talks and interacts with us. He is someone who genuinely cares for and nourishes our involvement in music. And he deserves all the respect we have for him as our director.
California State PTA advocates for a high-quality arts education for ALL California students. We work to make sure the vital voice of parents is heard - loud and clear - in support of the arts. Our network of "Parents for the Arts" raises awareness about the relevance of the arts in increasing academic achievement and building a vibrant, productive society, and provides opportunities to share best practices. Sign up for the SMARTS Parents for the Arts Network to receive the latest news on webinars and trainings about arts education.
If you would like to help support the SPHS Music Program please go to the SPHS Music Boosters page at http://www.sphsmusicboosters.com/contribute.html
In July of 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating the second week of September as "Arts in Education Week" in order to promote and showcase the immense role arts education has in producing engaged, successful, and college and career-ready students.
Here at SPHS we are grateful for a wonderful Arts team! This month we're featuring the SPHS music program, led by Arts Department Chair, Mr. Howard Crawford.
Erik Chan, SPHS Orchestra President 2014-15 has this to say about his experience:
As we settle down into our rows, clanking bows against music stands, finishing conversations, we prepare ourselves for the next 100 minutes. With our instruments in our lap, Mr. Crawford takes his place on the podium. "Let's start with some scales, everybody." Familiar words once one internalizes orchestra's regular routine: scales, technique practice, sight-reading, and going over whatever pieces we happen to be working on.
So what makes every class of orchestra paradoxically unique and - dare I say it - fun? Well, Robert Frost once said, "There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies." By these definitions, Mr. Crawford is his own category. First thing to note, there is never complete approval. In our records, the best so far was an, "I guess it was all right," which, coming from another teacher, might have been reason to jump in joy, pumping fists in the air, feeling like the ultimate product of success.
Mr. Crawford also has a prized cache of his phrases, including "y'all," "ain't nobody got time for that," and the iconic "e'rrbody." He has his own way of silently harnessing respect, yet maintains a friendly and comfortable aura. He often stays after school to watch over band sectionals and practices. He sacrifices the sweet, final weeks of summer vacation, when we panic and stress over first day tests and summer work, to help with band camp. He sustains an active community of musicians. He regularly talks and interacts with us. He is someone who genuinely cares for and nourishes our involvement in music. And he deserves all the respect we have for him as our director.
California State PTA advocates for a high-quality arts education for ALL California students. We work to make sure the vital voice of parents is heard - loud and clear - in support of the arts. Our network of "Parents for the Arts" raises awareness about the relevance of the arts in increasing academic achievement and building a vibrant, productive society, and provides opportunities to share best practices. Sign up for the SMARTS Parents for the Arts Network to receive the latest news on webinars and trainings about arts education.
If you would like to help support the SPHS Music Program please go to the SPHS Music Boosters page at http://www.sphsmusicboosters.com/contribute.html