Interdependence

I have found for success of a music department everyone needs to realize that we depend on each other for participants and audience members. Mr. Winkey and Ms. Weichers stress that their students should check out the opposite ensemble for interest at the least. I have seen this in other departments - instrumentalists tend to have better grasps on rhythms and singers have a hold on the pitches and intonation that way. I've also found that individuals may have a preference on an instrument type, but no one instrument is more important. At the collegiate level we often seen a divide between strings, voice, winds, and keyboard - definitely not the case at AP. These teachers build the camaraderie with their students across that board and that is so very important.

The teachers support each other in endeavors and ask where they are able to assist. That is crucial to retaining students and building on their program. What are you thoughts?