May 20, 2016

Alicia Scanlan, Helen Chao-Casano, Jason Byerlotzer,

Kristin Elgersma, Mark Falzarano

Survey Project
Reflections on the K-12 Music Program
Selected survey groups:
1. Seniors '16
2. Alumni (last 10 years) '06 '15

Survey Statistics
Seniors
Distribution
425 students
December 2015
125 respondents (29%)

Alumni
Distribution
1,875 alumni
May 2016
81 respondents (4%)

We asked
Which music courses do you most closely identify with?
Your Music Experience
Rate aspects of the program
Curricular Transitions
Describe a Memorable/Meaningful Experience
Thoughts and Suggestions
For Alumni:
Development of musical skills/abilities and life skills
Post-Punahou involvement in music

Student Feedback
& Quotes

Rate the following aspects of the

music program:
Excellent/Good

Acceptable/Poor

Variety of Courses

95.2%

4.8%

Quality of Instruction

91.5%

8.5%

Opportunities for self-expression

80.2%

19.8%

Opportunities to travel

67.9%

32.1%

Opportunities to perform

93.9%

6.1%
*alumni survey results

Elementary Music Classes

Orchestra
Band
Marching Band
Choir

Private Lessons
Music Explorations

What were your

favorite music courses?

Special Performances
Creating a composition
Travel
Concerto Concert

3rd Grade Hawaiian Music

Chamber Music
Private Lessons

Describe your most memorable

or meaningful experience

I remember all of the special times we had in preparation

for concerts. These moments actually brought me closer
to my peers.
My first choir concert in 6th grade. After each song I had a
huge grin on my face that I couldn't contain. I felt so proud
to have successfully memorized and performed my part. It
was the first time I was willingly apart of and excited to be in
a performance.
Learning the ukulele and Hawaiian songs in the 3rd grade
helped develop my connection with Hawaiian culture.
My interactions with my private teacher were among the
most influential to me. While I was never a gifted musician,
he taught me the importance of hard work and pride in
one's craft.

Describe your most memorable

or meaningful experience

During choir we had a really fun opportunity to

perform in front of our peers in small groups. For
this performance we were able to adapt a song of
our choice.
My most meaningful experience was in Music
Explorations. From that point forward, I explored
many different types of music, and my music tastes
would not currently be so broad without the class.
Getting to travel. Not only was it musically
fulfilling, but it contributed to my overall
educational experience.

Describe your most memorable

or meaningful experience

We asked

Do you have suggestions or thoughts on

how we could improve Music at Punahou?

More opportunities for student-directed music selection

and varieties of genres
More Ear Training and Theory
Opportunities to travel
Being able to take music
AND visual arts classes
More facilities for practicing and
a recording studio
Greater introduction to career options
and further study in the Arts

Aspects that could be improved

We asked

How did the music program

affect your development?

Punahou's music program

contributed to my
Strongly Agree/
Agree

Disagree/
Strongly Disagree

Personal Growth

96.3%

3.7%

Leadership Skills

85.3%

14.7%

Relationship with Peers

98.8%

1.2%
*alumni survey results

Gave me an appreciation for music as a whole,

which will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I grew in confidence, professionalism, and punctuality.
I grew in my love for singing and performing.
I grew to appreciate the importance of ensemble
performance, as well as the value of putting time in
outside of rehearsal.

Being in band and other music related activities

helped me to make friends, and it instilled in me
a sense of discipline that I carry with me today.

How else did the music program

affect your development?

In addition to developing my personal,

interpersonal, and leadership skills, Punahou's
music program kick-started my passion for music
and it is the reason I am still continuing to play my
instrument today.
Marching band taught me discipline, leadership
skills, and more about being a part of a team than
any sports I have played. Most importantly, I gained
valuable friendships that I still maintain to this day.
I absolutely loved being in music at Punahou;
I think it did a lot to shape my character.

How else did the music program

affect your development?

I think the relationship that I was able to form with some of

my music teachers really encouraged me to work harder
not only in music, but in school. They also have helped me
overcome some emotional issues that I have faced.
I've been involved with the Punahou Music School since
kindergarten and I can name the music teachers who have
truly made an impact on my life. I don't just identify them as
simply "my music teacher." They were friends, life mentors,
my family.

How else did the music program

affect your development?

We asked

How is music a part of your life?

After being part of an amazing community at Punahou,

especially the music community, it's hard not to continue
the positive energy and meet people who share the same
musical interests. Punahou Music has also given me
a higher understanding and appreciation of the arts. I
now attend at least two music concerts each semester.
During my time at Punahou, I was exposed to a broad
range of musical styles and was immersed in a repertoire
which created a good base for further musical exploration
and study during my collegiate career.
Piano lessons instilled not only a knowledge and skill of
music, but a passion for music. After leaving lessons while
in college, I picked up a guitar due to a lack of an
available piano, and now with my own apartment have
an electric piano and guitar where I am able to
continue playing music daily.

How have you been inspired to continue your

involvement with music as an adult?

Being involved with music at Punahou meant that music

was a constant, integral, and enriching part of my life. It
fostered a lifelong appreciation and passion for music. I
currently volunteer for the LA Music and Art School
leading their young professionals advisory board. My time
at Punahou has inspired me to pay it forward and help
others have access to the arts and music.
I am currently a mentor with the Bandlink program at Notre
Dame, which provides an extracurricular band program for
schools without music programs. Punahou inspired me to
participate in this program because I am so grateful for the
opportunities I had through band. Paying it forward is just
one way I can express my gratitude.

How have you been inspired to continue your

involvement with music as an adult?

I started with private lessons at Punahou in elementary school, and

rediscovered my passion for music through access to GarageBand in
Music Explorations. I started composing, and later took formal
composition lessons through the music school. I also took creative
music studio, and participated in a number of composition and
arrangement opportunities. All of these factors helped me develop
a passion for music composition and production.
Currently, I'm pursuing a minor in music, science, and technology,
which involves a good deal of composition, theory, ear training, and
production. These are interests and skills I would've never cultivated
were it not for the opportunities available through music at Punahou.

How have you been inspired to continue your

involvement with music as an adult?

There was such a community passion for music; it was

infectious. Between my directors and my peers, it's like I
didn't have a choice other than loving it. That passion
makes me strive to be a better musician every time I pick
up one of my instruments.

Inspiring lifelong learning is probably

Punahou's greatest achievement.

How have you been inspired to continue your

involvement with music as an adult?

Reflections &
Moving Forward

I think this survey and follow up conversations

will be a good first step. Merely listening to
the opinions of students will reduce a lot of
the tension for students who may not always
feel that they have a voice or that their voice
is being valued.

Next steps
1. Teacher Interviews
2. Student Focus Groups
3. Value-Based Curriculum Inventory

May 20, 2016

Alicia Scanlan, Helen Chao-Casano, Jason Byerlotzer,

Kristin Elgersma, Mark Falzarano