Out of the 3,000+ students in Cardozo, how many take music classes? Throughout their four years, students are mandated to take two art credits to graduate, and there are multiple electives to choose from to fulfill these requirements.
Under the art department, there are 11 total classes, some spilling into other programs and departments such as graphic design under the Journalism Program and Performance in the Dance Program. There are also several music classes offered for students who are interested, or who just want to try it out for exposure. Whether it be vocal, instrumental, ensemble, or digital, there’s a class for all.
However, the current class of 2026 takes up a majority of the higher-level music classes. Therefore, the question remains: will the music program die out once the 2026 students graduate, or will there be new students who join the higher level classes?
While some students have the desire to take music as a course, there are some roadblocks in the way. Students have limited space in their schedules. They must fit their intended program in, such as NJROTC and Leaders, then their electives, and also core classes. This became even more difficult after Cardozo became a single-session school, taking the day from nine periods to eight.
Mr. Georgatos, the Assistant Principal of Music, has played a key role in the transformation and expansion of the music program throughout the course of several years. However, during that time, he has experienced issues in the music department, and has thought of ways to overcome those challenges.
“I’ve proposed making music a screened program, which would allow students to be prioritized in scheduling, placing their music classes first and building the rest of their schedule around them,” he explained. “While there’s been some pushback, I’m confident in my ability to work collaboratively with our music teachers to find a solution that benefits students.”
Mr. Georgatos also issued a special shout-out to Mr. Oberer, one of the music teachers, sharing that his leadership and passion have been instrumental in shaping the culture and excellence of the music department at Cardozo. Mr. Oberer currently teaches three band classes and a social studies class. For Mr. Oberer, schedules have been a constant issue for Cardozo students, as well as the music teachers.
“I think we’re losing students who have to make tough choices about their program,” he said. “They choose between classes that are helpful for college, other programs, and music, so they have to pick.”
In his opinion, this is the hardest part about I don’t think we’re losing students in the sense that they can never get here; they’re just forced to make hard decisions. Those are the students that we tend to lose,” Mr. Oberer added.
David, a current Cardozo senior, was taught by Mr. Oberer for all four years of high school. Currently, David is in Wind Ensemble, an advanced concert band class. “Music is important for all high schools, and it is a way for me to relax or to have fun,” he reflected. “Mr. Oberer has taught me all the skills I have today. Playing an instrument has taught me how to enjoy music on a deeper level, as well as having benefits that contribute to music.”
Although David finds excitement in his band classes, he also believes that there are students who struggle to find the same peace he has found. “Because of schedule-related issues such as students not being put in their proper bands when requested, or moving up a level, students with higher skill levels end up in lower level bands and don’t get the full enjoyment they were looking for, and drop the music program,” David said.
“I find joy in playing instruments, especially in a band where everyone plays together. Everything sounds better when we’re playing together,” an anonymous senior added. She has taken music for three years in high school and is also in the Wind Ensemble. She finds value in having a music class in high school and hopes to see more students joining the music program, even though she won’t be able to witness it first hand.
“I believe that my graduating class takes up a large portion of the higher-level band classes. Hopefully, there will be a lot of students in the near future who are interested in taking more advanced classes for music.”
Although there are students who have to give up music in their schedules due to programs and other courses, there are other students from feeder schools who can hopefully fill up the empty spots that graduates leave behind. The music department hopes to see familiar faces as well as new ones, encouraging students who hope to leave a mark behind to join.
