When Paul Effman started his career as a band director, very few catholic schools had instrumental programs. The year was 1971 and the school was St. Hyacinth in Glen Head, N.Y. In a short time, St. Hyacinth had a band of 75 musicians. The band marched in local parades and performed holiday concerts - it was an ensemble in which the school and community took great pride. It is 2001 and Paul Effman still serves the families of St. Hyacinth. The school is now All Saints Regional and instrumental music is still part of the school day.

In fact, the Paul Effman Music Service provides approximately 200 Catholic schools with band programs today. With a staff of over 50 music educators, Mr. Effman provides music education for almost 11,000 catholic school students. The teachers are highly qualified professionals. They receive salaries plus medical & retirement benefits that are commensurate with most public school districts.

The students participate in local school performances and Catholic School Honor Band performances. In the spring of 2001, St. Anthony High School, in So. Huntington, was the home for the 550-piece Catholic School Honor Band. Similar performances were held at St. John's Prep in Astoria and J.F.K. High School in Somers.

No longer is instrumental music a void in catholic education. As a result of ardent support from the catholic school community in conjunction with the efforts of Paul Effman Music, band programs thrive throughout Long Island, the Five Boroughs, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Boston, & New Jersey..

Music is not a frill. Statistics from the College Board indicate that students that have been in music programs score 30 to 40 percent higher on SAT tests in Math & English. When music programs are halted, schools create the opposite of what was intended. They hurt the academic progress of their students. Music is too profound in our children's education to be absent or taken away. Music is essential.

Our staff is well prepared to be flexible. Schedules rotate so that the lesson groups meet different times each week. If a child should not leave the classroom (for any reason) we will re-schedule the lesson. The countless children who have been enriched by learning an instrument prove that the arts can be a part of the school day without educational compromise. In fact, a well-rounded education is unobtainable without the arts.

"During School" Band Programs do not hurt grades A comprehensive study took place in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Reading and Math scores from 554 band students were extracted from the general population scores of 1608 students. The data showed the following: The Band Program is not harmful to academic growth, even if the student is taken out of basic classes. Band students have as good or better Reading and Math skills than non-band students. Academic skills and test results are not compromised by engaging in learning to play an instrument.

"After School" Band Programs are better than none. The after school program is undoubtedly better than not having band, but this type schedule is not as effective as the "During School" program. When music takes place during the day, the entire student body is aware of the credibility associated with the course. There are no transportation or supervision problems. Music is perceived as part of education. When band instruction takes place after school, the subject is too often perceived as a hobby.