Middle School Uses Classical Music for Class Change Bell

BOCA RATON, FL -- A Boca Raton middle school known for its technology program is now making advances using music. Mozart now plays in the halls of Don Estridge High Tech Middle School. This year, instead of using bells to indicate a class change, Principal Debra Johnson chose classical music.

"There is some research out one way or another that Mozart improves learning or improves brain processes," said Debra Johnson, principal.

The music fills the hallways during the four minute break between classes.

"There are three discs and the P.A. system randomly selects what songs to play. When the music begins, students know it's time to head to their next class," said Debra Johnson, principal. "There is a pause for a minute that let's them know okay, you better be making your way onto your classroom and then when it comes back on during the last minute, they know its settle down time in their seats before instruction begins."

It's pretty loud. The music, that is.

"The nature of changing over 1200 children every period is a noisy business at best, and so we turn the volumes pretty high."

For the most part, students like the change.

"It's a lot nicer coming out of our classes then the blaring bell to just have the music slowly come in and it's a good change," said "Austin Powers," 8th grade student.

"It's definitely different from what people listen to now, but it's okay," said Daniela Marquez, 8th grade student.

Johnson hopes the little taste of Mozart will help her students improve not only their grades, but their behavior, and maybe even their musical taste.

"To provide a more calming influence on kids and to also provide them with exposure to great music." Now don't expect the students' music preferences to change right away. They have already asked Johnson if they could choose their own music to play during class change.

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