Each Friday afternoon, second-graders eagerly burst through the classroom door and run to their assigned seats. The quicker the class settles down, the sooner each student will be able to select an instrument, according to Ms. Costantino’s classroom rules displayed on the wall. The students know the familiar ritual all too well: wait for their name to be called, open up the worn textbooks, and sing a few songs in preparation for the spring concert. It’s a typical, but nonetheless exhilarating, day for these Trenton students as they’ve waited all week to attend music class.
Every day is somewhat similar to this for Lisa Costantino, an instrumental and general music teacher, at Washington Elementary School in Trenton, New Jersey. The New Jersey Common Core teaching standards provide music educators with the freedom to create lesson plans with their students in mind. While playing instruments and learning song lyrics is important, Costantino also educates her pupil’s about Trenton’s vast music history as she feels “students benefit greatly by learning about the history of their hometown.”

 
Upon graduating The College of New Jersey in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in music teacher education, Costantino immediately began her career. She taught in other districts, but has been employed by the Trenton Board of Education for the last four years. “Although I am not originally from this area, I am well aware of Trenton’s rich music history. Significant groups include Trenton Symphony and the Boheme Opera Company,” said Costantino.

 
The State of New Jersey Department of Education has a strict model curriculum which all educators must abide by while developing lesson plans and instituting them in the classroom. However, the visual performing arts (K-12) department is granted more independence and personal interpretation than other subjects.

 
“The New Jersey State Standards are written in such a way to give educators the freedom to develop their lessons based on students’ interests and needs. In essence the standards provide a very broad outline to guide the progression of a student’s music education,” said Costantino.
According to the state’s Department of Education website, visual and performing arts are separated into dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. There are common standards, but also distinct requirements for each of these disciplines. Overall, visual and performing arts are broken into four standards: the creative process, performing, aesthetic responses/critique methodologies, and history of the arts/culture.

 
Standard 1.1, the creative process, states students will “demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles that govern the creation of works of art in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.” Curriculum guidelines such as this one cover the basics of musical education making sure all New Jersey students have a well-rounded and general knowledge of music.

 
However, other standards focus on the historical aspects of the arts. Standard 1.2, history of the arts and culture, dictates the necessity of New Jersey students understanding “the role, development, and influence of the arts throughout history and across cultures.” This is a standard which allows Costantino to use creative interpretation with her lesson plans. Educating students on Trenton’s music background is a part of her current curriculum in order to satisfy this standard.

 
Washington Elementary School, one of Trenton’s multiple public schools, is known for housing a diverse student body population. Being located in the heart of Trenton has provided a particularly unique experience for both this elementary school and the city’s other music students.

 
“Our students, along with all of the other schools in Trenton, have been afforded the opportunity to perform on two separate occasions at the renowned War Memorial Theater,” said Costantino. The Trenton War Memorial, a tribute to Mercer County’s war veterans, is known for housing the Patriot’s Theatre where many acclaimed singers, musicians, composers, choruses, and dancers have taken the stage.

 
Costantino thought the experience provided a great educational experience for students especially due to the hometown ties. “It was an amazing opportunity that allowed our students to get a glimpse of our local history as well as to provide a beautiful backdrop for all of the students in Trenton to perform together under one roof,” she said.

 
After patiently waiting, the students are finally granted permission to go to the front table and select the instrument of their choosing for “free play.” Their excitement is displayed in wide-toothed grins and their teacher’s passion is evident in both her demeanor and quality of instruction. Fortunately, Lisa Costantino is just one example of Trenton’s music educators who intertwine teaching with the city’s vast history, ensuring the rich past of Trenton lives on through its students.