Chris Bank, the in-school director for Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS), has stepped in to fill a critical gap in Carbondale’s music education for the 2024-25 school year.
He acknowledges that Carbondale school’s music programming is pivotal, stating, “I am now hopefully the one-year person until they can get it back on track.”
In response to this year’s challenges, Bank has been working with three Carbondale public school principals — Aimee Brockman of Crystal River Elementary School (CRES), Michael Logan of Carbondale Middle School (CMS) and Lindsay Hentschel of Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) — to stabilize the music programs. Bank emphasized the need for community support and hopes that increased enrollment next year will restore the positions and the music program to its full potential.
Bank served as CMS music instructor for the 2021-22 school year. During this time, student participation in online music classes was low, and overall enrollment at the school had decreased following COVID, with more families choosing to homeschool. Post-COVID, the middle school saw a reduction of 30 students, which necessitated a reduction of 1.6 teaching positions. Due to a declining interest in music electives, one full-time equivalent position in the music department was initially eliminated, however, hopes are this year’s music programming will bring a renewed interest for students.
CMS music offerings this year include a beginning band program after school for fifth and sixth graders who have never played an instrument. Bank said Access AfterSchool, a nonprofit that offers youth enrichment programs from Basalt to Rifle, is assisting with that program.
Seventh and eighth-grade band classes will meet at school twice weekly in the morning. Bank will also teach modern band, an ensemble-style course, at RFHS.
It’s all about the numbers
Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is making strides in revitalizing its music programs despite ongoing challenges with staffing and funding. RFSD Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole recently spoke with The Sopris Sun about the complexities behind the Carbondale schools’ music programming.
Cole acknowledged the broader challenges facing the district, primarily with staffing shortages, declining student interest in music classes and the high cost of living in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Fewer students participating in classes in Carbondale schools exacerbate these issues, making it harder to sustain all elective programs. “But what is maybe more unique is recruiting educators for music, advanced math or science or special education … that difficulty is multiplied in our small schools,” Cole explained.
A letter from Hentschel, Logan, and Brockman was recently sent to Carbondale families to clarify the music curriculum for the three schools and underscore their commitment to music education. The letter highlights challenges such as declining enrollment, budget constraints, the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of teaching applicants that have affected the K-12 music program.
Due to difficulties recruiting a music teacher in spring 2023, CRES temporarily suspended its music program but hired a qualified instructor in mid-summer 2024.
Community partners supporting the CRES position for the 2024-2025 school year are JAS, the Carbondale Education Foundation, the CRES PTO, Alpine Bank and the Carbondale Rebekahs (Rebekah’s Lodge).
“While we are making progress, there is still work to be done,” the letter stated. “Please know there is still music in Carbondale public schools at all levels, and we are working together as a PK-12 leadership team to create a shared vision and sustainable model.”
The district’s approach involves innovative partnerships and flexible funding allocation. However, the struggle to balance resources remains a pressing concern, compounded by the Roaring Fork Valley’s high cost of living and housing, which leads to teacher turnover.
Logan said that the transition for band students from middle to high school was an important factor, and Bank’s curriculum accommodates that. “We’re excited because this gives students the opportunity to grow as musicians and potentially continue with it into high school,” he said.
Bank, who has a long history of working with music students in the Roaring Fork Valley, drew high praises for his willingness to step up to the plate for Carbondale’s music programming this year.
“Chris really came to our rescue and is very enthusiastic about being able to do this. We are so thankful to him and Jazz Aspen,” Logan concluded.