Dear future Mica Mountain Band and Orchestra Parent/Guardian: 
Entering high school is a giant step forward in every child's educational journey. Your child is facing some important decisions that will have a long-term impact on his/her life. Often young people fear the added workload of the high school curriculum and assume they will not have time to participate in the music program. That is simply not true.  

Ironically, it is often the continuation of musical studies that serves as the transitional key to success. Being a member of a music ensemble ensures instant acceptance in a respected organization at the onset of freshman year. A group of supporting friends is already established with a firm sense of "belonging." 

There is more to it. As a parent, you need to know that: 
• Research shows that when music is included in a student's daily learning that reading, writing, and math scores improve.

• There is a high correlation between positive self-perception, high cognitive competence scores, healthy self-esteem, total interest in school activities, and the study of music.

• College admission officers give special consideration to students who are part of their high school music programs.

• The longer an individual studies music, the higher his/her scores tend to be on both the verbal and math portions of the SAT examination.

• Employers often seek out students who are part of their high school music program because of the student’s ability to solve problems and work well with all kinds of people.

Your child deserves the best as he/she enters the high school culture and we at Mica Mountain High School feel that the band and orchestra program is the best place to be for the high school experience. Please contact our office at 879-3847, email Jim Matsushino at matsushinoj@vailschooldistrict.org, or visit our Mica Mountain Band and Orchestra Facebook page if you have any questions concerning this vitally important decision or information in the packet. We hope you will join us in our commitment to provide the best education possible for your child. 

Sincerely, 
Mr. Matsushino