Middle School Music Class Enrollment Increases Under New Texas Law

The Dallas Morning News (10/5, Fox) reports that "a state law that recently took effect requires that middle school students log at least one fine arts credit in grades six through eight." As a result of the new law, band classes throughout North Texas are experiencing an enrollment boom. To keep up with the demand, "some school districts [are asking] businesses and parents to donate new or used musical instruments and" are seeking grants. While "Most schools with active band programs try to provide large instruments, such as percussion instruments and bass violins," lower-income schools "often don't have enough instruments to go around, and many students can't afford the rental fees." The Morning News notes, however, that "while the new law does create a need for new instruments, many fine arts officials say it has opened an important and neglected door for middle school arts education."