Indy Standard

Ted Biggs is spearheading a musical transformation at Northwest Middle School by engaging students in music education. For the first time, these students are learning to play various instruments, including trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and clarinet.

Biggs compares his efforts to a "snowball rolling down a hill," as he notes the challenges and excitement of introducing every student to music from scratch. "Basically every student is at the very beginning," Biggs explains. He describes the process as both rewarding and demanding since each student must choose an instrument and learn how to play it.

This initiative is part of the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Rebuilding Stronger plan, which aims to enhance educational experiences for all students. The plan ensures that elementary students have access to art, music, physical education, and computer science classes while middle schools offer band or orchestra programs alongside other subjects.

"It is providing the opportunity to expose our students here to the same level of educational opportunities as students in the rest of this city," says Biggs. He emphasizes that previously, students lacked access to such programs despite living in a city known for its outstanding music offerings.

With qualifications in music education from universities in Arizona and over ten years of experience in Indianapolis and Las Vegas school systems, Biggs joined IPS three years ago when they initiated Rebuilding Stronger. In his first year at Northwest Middle School, he has significantly expanded its music program with impressive enrollment numbers: 160 students in band, 50 in orchestra, 50 in choir, and nearly 80 in general music classes.

Biggs highlights the broader benefits of music education beyond just learning instruments. "Music fosters critical skills like academic retention and spatial awareness," he says. Traci Prescott, IPS Fine Arts Coordinator, confirms that the district remains committed to expanding these programs across all middle schools.

The expansion reflects a significant change with more than 2,000 students now participating in music programs across six out of seven middle schools. This growth was partly driven by events called "instrument petting zoos" where students could try different instruments.

IPS has allocated over $4.5 million towards updating music resources ensuring new instruments are available at all school levels. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Arts for Learning and Kids Dance Outreach provide artist residencies and workshops for students.

For Biggs, this commitment means creating a lasting foundation for future opportunities in college-level music or arts careers. "With IPS’s support," he states confidently, "we’re building something lasting."