Cypress, School District Launch Music Program

The city and its school district have joined in an unusual effort to promote music education.

The City Council this week approved a pilot project in which the Cypress parks and recreation district will manage and administer an after-school, voluntary music-education program at Landell Elementary School.

The beginning band program will begin in January, running for 45 minutes two days a week for 15 weeks, Recreation Director Marvin C. DeCarlo said in a report to the council. The instruction will be at Landell after the day’s regular classes are over.

“Because of lack of funds, the schools have had to cut their music program,” DeCarlo said in an interview. He said that students will pay $50 each to participate in the pilot project.

“If this is successful, it might be expanded to other schools,” DeCarlo said.

Money collected from the students will pay a music teacher and reimburse the recreation district for its administrative costs, he said.

About 80 students at Landell have already expressed interest in the after-school music program, and there is no limit on enrollment, DeCarlo said.

“This beginning course will encompass brass and wind instruments only,” DeCarlo said. Instruction will be offered in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

Musical instruments will not be provided, DeCarlo said. Students must rent or purchase them.