President Gerald Ford once said, “Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.”

Red Level High School Band Director Demetrius Scott has organized a school-wide campaign to spread music throughout the school as part of Music in Schools month.

Scott, who was hired as band director in January 2013, said he wanted to find different outlets for students to become involved musically.

He began the first Tri-M music honor society in the county for students in grades nine through 12.

This year, five seniors will walk across stage donning their pink Tri-M cords, Scott said.

“We tried to find something they could sponsor,” he said. “This is the second year we have done this. Last year, we involved seven through 12, but this year we wanted to get Pre-K through 12 involved.”

Elementary-aged students were encouraged to incorporate as many musical activities into their classes as possible.

Scott said the grade level that has the most musical activities will win a pizza party.

For the high school, students have learned the original Alma Mater and will have the opportunity to re-mix the Alma Mater. The re-mixes and originals will be presented to the school on Fri., March 20, at 1:30 p.m.

Scott said the grade with the best original version and the best re-mix will receive pizza, as well.

Scott said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the RLS administrators.

“The teachers have really been on board,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything negative, and the students and teachers are being very creative.”

Scott said art gives kids an outlet and it’s important that they have access to it.

And access to music is something that students at Red Level have.

Scott said students can begin band as early as the fourth grade.