They say that music has a definite correlation with mathematics and life skills and to listen and watch young people perform in a band is to understand that concept. They have to concentrate on timing (which is mathematically based), teamwork as they work with those around them, motor skills to play the instruments, listening skills and so much more.
If anyone, including governments, does not appreciate the value of music and the impact it has on the future generations and the value it adds to the citizens of the country, they should take the time out to experience a school concert.
I have watched a movie many times about the value that music plays in schools. It is ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’.
A synopsis: In the fall of 1964, 30-year-old Glenn Holland is a successful and talented musician and composer from Portland, Oregon. He switches gears, taking a position as a music teacher at John F. Kennedy High School so that he can spend more time with his young wife Iris and work on his symphony. The film covers his 30-year teaching career, set amongst the changes in American society, the cuts to the music program by the local schoolboard and teacher layoffs. In the end, his many students come together to honour him in surprise ending with many of his students who have gone to become among other things a Senator.
What the movie makes me think of is the value of music and, every time I attend a local high school musical or band concert, I think of ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’ and how important music is to young minds and how it can alter the life of someone.
I know that many schools have the wonderful commitment and dedication of music teachers but, when I watch the local Kerrie Lynn Boys of Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) and what she has brought to these young students through music, I think of that movie, ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’. He was different, he was quirky and he changed the lives of his students through music … and I think that Ms. Boys has followed in his footsteps.
She has taken students through the world of music from Classics to Jazz, Rock to Broadway and given them an appreciation, skill and talent in all the genres throughout the decades.
At the annual ‘Canadian Big Band Celebration’ (CBBC) held each year in Saugeen Shores, where professional musicians come to entertain, the SDSS Royal Band has been a ‘big player’. Under the direction of Boys, the Canadian Big Band Celebration gave the students a chance to perform in a professional venue playing the music of yesteryear, sounding like generations of musicians before them when big bands were all the rage.
After 32 years of teaching and, upon her last concert in retirement on May 22nd (2025), it also became obvious that she gave her students even more. than musical education. It was an emotional outpour with tears and admiration both from students and their parents. One student said that, while undergoing a year of mental health issues, “… the only reason I could get out of bed was for the music and that I knew Ms. Boys expected me to be there. She was always there for me and everyone else. She became a role model for all of us.”
Still other students said that they are continuing their musical education through post-secondary education thanks to Boys and her motivation. “You gave us confidence and saw the musical potential in each of us and encouraged us to go on.”
Under the direction of Boys, the school band has travelled and taken part in many competitions bringing home many awards.
At home, Broadway musicals became a big part of the school’s musical excellence that the band provided. From Oklahoma to Grease, the musical productions were professional with scores and arrangements played by students and joined by professional musicians from the community.
One of the professional musicians that often joined in the productions was former music teacher Wayne McGrath. As a former student of McGrath’s, Boys once again became a student at her retirement as she joined the band under the direction of McGrath. “Mr. McGrath taught me in my first concert so it’s only fitting that he conduct me in my final concert on retirement.”
“I was actually able to retire in December 2023,” said Boys, “but what could i do … it was a big music year coming up so i couldn’t leave … could i?”
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As in the movie, Kerrie Lynne Boys received a standing ovation from parents, grandparents, fellow teachers and musicians on the announcement of retirement.
