Sofia Fitzgerald
Ithaca College hosts numerous bands across campus, from formal ensembles like Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, to dozens of student bands. This student band culture is vital not only to IC’s students, but the larger Ithaca community as a whole.
These bands strengthen academic, social and emotional development in IC’s students. Playing music together requires synchronicity and cooperation — each member must shift from a “me” to a “we” mentality. Students in music programs report a stronger sense of belonging, self-esteem and social support networks.
Music education is positively associated with emotional stability, creativity, confidence and overall well-being. Through writing, performing and organizing, student bands create original work, express diverse cultural and political perspectives and feel ownership of a creative space.
Ithaca’s student music scene even opens new paths for some students. Collaborating with other campus groups not only pollinates audiences, but also can teach the students involved important lessons. Learning to organize large events such as concerts creates critical managerial experiences. Managing bands and other groups teaches essential skills that students are learning hands-on through IC’s student bands.
House shows, campus concerts and student recording projects enrich life for locals and students alike. Student bands have performed in Ithaca’s community festivals like Apple Fest, city events and various open mics and venues. Locals often take advantage of the variety of live music that Ithaca produces, spreading the effects of the melodies past campus lines.
Amid catastrophic cuts for the National Endowment for the Arts, it is more important now than ever to support and preserve Ithaca’s student music culture.
To ensure the future and flourishing of student band culture in Ithaca, IC, local school districts like Ithaca High School and local government need to allocate stable funding in their budget cycles specifically for student music and band initiatives. Creating or expanding dedicated music spaces and making easily accessible practice rooms and instrument storage are small ways to support student bands.
Ithaca’s educational and civic stakeholders must commit to funding, partnering, programming and advocating for student band culture now to secure a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable musical future for not only IC students, but the entire Ithaca community.