High–quality music programs linked to higher reading scores

Nathan Jesmore may not enjoy the 7 a.m. practices, but there’s a lot about band he does like. The senior who attends Olathe East High School in Olathe, Kansas, said marching while playing his saxophone honed his concentration skills. “Band lays a lot of the foundation and teaches you a lot of the fundamentals about how to prepare for life,” said Jesmore, who has been in school bands since fifth grade. He may be on to something. A poll released this week suggests that being involved in music programs—from orchestra to garage band—could be linked to greater educational attainment and bigger paychecks. Also, a recent study by a University of Kansas music professor found a possible link between high-quality school music programs and higher math and reading scores. Read more in The Kansas City Star.