Politics aside, you want to know why this country is going down the tubes? It’s because of things like this news story. It’s only a matter of time before it’s eliminated completely. No outlet for kids to have creativity of any kind. No chance to express themselves as individuals or work together as one ensemble to create something magical that brings joy to people each Christmas and spring season.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this as a 55 year old man: being part of the music and choir program at school was the only thing that saved me. It’s why when my favorite teacher, the late Ed Milisits, retired after three decades at Easton Area High School and tried starting a community choir that nearly ALL of it was comprised of now middle-aged former alumni who felt so strongly about what they experienced years ago that they blocked off time in their busy adult schedules to come back and sing. A vast majority of them hadn’t sang like that since they graduated decades ago. What does that tell you?
To quote from Whitman (and Robin Williams’ performance in Dead Poet’s Society): “O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?”
Answer: That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this. Please feel free to leave a note in the comments section.
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As a graduate of EASD, one who played flute from 3rd grade-9th grade in orchestra and band and sang in choirs since elementary school through 12th grade, I know that music education was necessary for me to develop into who I am today. I became an elementary teacher, PreK-3rd grade and also worked with infants, toddlers and preschoolers and music& movement is a critical element in children’s cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, language and social skills.
It has been proven that music education develops strong math skills. Rhythm, beats, counts, and notes all work mathematical ways. Taking away a even ten minutes of time from this education will cause gaps in instruction during the windows in which children are most likely to learn and develop life-long skills that will assist with curriculum in later years.
Hey Jim.May I share this on my Facebook page?Ronnie
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