Trent Whitehead: The Future of Music Education
A day of a Musician can be eventful, challenging, stressful, tedious, and exciting. For Trenton Whitehead, all these emotions can happen all on the same day. So, you may be asking yourself, “Why does he look so familiar?”, That’s because he spends majority of his summer teaching kids around Houston how to play the Saxophone. You can see him perform all around Houston and can even catch him playing The National Anthem for The University of Houston’s sporting events held on campus. With all these accomplishments, it’s hard to even notice the hard work he’s puts in daily.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Whitehead played music from 6th grade all the way until graduation. He was a natural musician, but it wasn’t until High school that he considered teaching music.
“I just always had a thing for making people around me better and helping them through music.” Said Whitehead.
While playing music in college, it wasn’t always an easy road. It took him 4 consecutive attempts before he was accepted into the Moores School of Music.
“It was hard, and there were times when I had lost faith. But I knew what I aspired to be, so that’s what kept me going.” Said Whitehead
Finally, on November of 2015, he got the acceptance letter he dreamed of getting. It encouraged him to continue to have a chip on his shoulder for the rest of his time in under grad.
Whitehead constantly reminds himself of those times that he was unsuccessful. It keeps him from ever being satisfied with his work, and to continue to push the envelope as far as possible.
“When Trent first came here, he wasn’t mentally prepared. He had flaws that couldn’t go unnoticed. Coming into his senior year, he has grown so much as player and as a leader.” Said Noe Marmolejo, a jazz professor at UH.
As students continue to enroll into music programs, there has been rising concerns about budget cuts on school districts. According to The Texas Education survey, 80% of school districts lean towards cutting Fine Arts programs first when in a financial crisis.
In lower income neighborhoods, this serves as a huge disadvantage to not only employed music teachers, but to students as well.
“I definitely grew up in a rough area growing up. Honestly if it wasn’t for band who knows what I would’ve gotten into. I’m thankful it didn’t turn out that way.” Said Whitehead.
Even the current students of Mr. Whitehead often reflect of what they would be doing. Some believe they would just try out for sports offered at their school. Others are almost lost for words on what the alternative could’ve been.
“If there weren’t a band program in my school, then I would probably be a normal student and not participate in any organization… but band has my heart and passion.” Said Fidelia, a junior saxophonist at Waltrip High school.
Even though schools across the country seem to be making music programs optional to have available, the results of having music vs without can’t be denied.
Years of research has shown that schools with music programs have a higher graduation rate, higher attendance rate, and a higher enrollment in AP/dual credit programs. So, what makes Fine Arts an easy target for financial burdens?
“Honestly, more money and attention is poured into athletics because they’re able to give the school more money from their success. Compared to begging parents and other students to come see a high school jazz band concert.” Said Woody Witt, an adjunct professor at UH and Houston Community College.
So much revenue goes into athletics on and off the field, so it does make sense to keep that program at all cost, but what else can music programs do to help the survival rate increase?
“Every school does a car wash and fundraiser, but there needs to be more emphasis on showcasing our children’s musical talents… Get to the point where the band is getting as much coverage as our athletic clubs, that’s a start.” Said Dan Gelok, a Saxophone professor at UH.
Looking back at the progression of Mr. Whitehead, improvements have been made since he was in school, but there’s still a long way to go. Trenton intends on being a big reason of why it will continue to move in the right direction.
“I know it will take baby steps, but my goal is to be able to help fund lower income school districts with instruments for children.” Said Whitehead.
