Teaching the fine arts in Raleigh-Durham? (Chapel Hill: chapel, school districts, association)

[flwatkins]

Can someone give me some real insight on the Raleigh/Durham area's vision for the Fine Arts? I currently teach high school band band in Metro Atlanta, and I have been teaching for more than 16 years here. But I am considering re-locating near the Raleigh/Durham area to be closer to my daughter. However, I can stay where I am if NC school districts only view the Fine Arts to be disguised baby-sitting services for "Music Appreciation" dumping grounds. lol

[librarySue]

Hi!
I am also looking for teaching positions in Wake County. I wish I could answer your question.

What I have heard is that although there is county wide curriculum, it is applied in each building by a different principal with different theories and methods, and thus each school varies.

I'm applying for jobs I'm qualified for and I hope to have some of my questions answered if I get an interview. But it sure would be frustrating to spend time and money on a job hunt only to discover that I would not be interested after all (from a professsional point of view).

I'll bet there is a NC Music Educators Association of some kind that might be able to provide you with the detail you need.

Best of luck to you!

[WeLuvNC]

There is a central district bandmasters association which you might find of value to you. You might be able to contact a band teacher in each of the districts to get a heads up on what/where there might be offerings and decent programs.

Central District Bandmasters Association

In the wake county school system elementary level, there is lots of variety in electives offerings depending on whether or not it is a magnet school. Magnets have more electives and appear to have stronger band offerings. In the middle school, I am not sure if all middles have band or not - but a review of the middle schools in the WCPSS might let you see if band is offered at some or all. It seems that every high school has some sort of band but that may not be true. If you look at the central district band All District band tryout results for 2010, it'll give you a good idea of what high school is sending students to the try outs and which schools are placing their kids in the all-district band and which instrument sections are strong right now. This district is very large, so it gives you a good idea of the bands through central NC.

CDBA All District Scores 2010

Please note: I am a parent of a clarinet player, not a teacher.

[Sant]

I can only speak for Chapel Hill, but musical fine arts is quite strong. At middle and high school, there is not only band but also orchestra. My son plays violin at Smith Middle School.