Bellows Falls Students Explore Careers in Music

Students who enjoy the arts are often discouraged from pursuing their passion as a career. Adults assume that opportunities for employment and money will be scarce. But a recent article published by the National Endowment for the Arts cites an interesting study by The Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA) that paints a different picture. The study found that there were over 5 million wage‐and‐salary workers employed in the arts and cultural sector, earning a total of $405 billion in 2017.

In March, ten Bellows Falls high school students participated in a “Career Spotlight” focused on careers in music. Career Spotlights are part of BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3), helping classroom teachers bring real local professionals together with their students. It’s a way to bring their subjects to life, and help students think about connecting their own interests with future career pathways.

David Ellis, President of Ellis Music Company and professional trumpeter, visited Nathaniel Pelton’s high school music class to discuss how students can pursue their dreams AND make a living while doing so. Ellis Music Company has been a family-run business for 75 years, offering instrument rentals and sales, professional repair services, and a wide selection of accessories and sheet music. Ellis Music has 20 employees with a variety of different interests and personality types. “You can be an introverted tinkerer and get full-time work as a technician, or you can be out and traveling around the state, talking with music teachers in schools,” said Mr. Ellis.

Mr. Ellis told students that passion for their work is the key to succeeding, no matter the career choice. If they love music, they should pursue it. He emphasized that they can make a good living without being a rockstar. But he advised they develop other skills related to music that will help them earn money such as providing music lessons or instrument repair services so they have a variety of income streams available.  “You absolutely can make a career out of music – you just need to be creative. Luckily, you’re musicians, so you’re already creative! You’re halfway there,” Mr. Ellis said.

The Career Spotlight Series was piloted in partnership with BFUHS. It has helped students connect content areas such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and the Arts, with quality employers in Vermont, bringing tangible relevance to big picture concepts.  Career Spotlights are available to all teachers at every school in Windham County. Please reach out to Christy at cbetit@brattleborodevelopment.com to bring real local professionals and employers into your classroom.