ART AND MUSIC

The following is a letter that I wrote and plan to send to the editor of the local newspaper. I took out names because this is the big, bad, scarey internet. Anyhoo, I have been meaning to write a letter such as this for many years. I have a fear that our school district will start cutting programs that they consider "optional". We really do have amazing teachers who put in amazing amounts of efforts. They are almost too good to be true! In our house, learning a musical instrument is required. That may sound mean but I truly believe that music, as well as art, are subjects that are just as necessary as math, science and english. Some day all my kids will thank me for making them learn to play an instrument. Sarah plays the viola in the school orchestra, Erin plays violin in the orchestra and Thomas self taught himself to play the organ and keyboard at home. The art and music programs in school are so valuable because not all parents are as mean as me and school may be the only place that they experience these things.


To the Editor,

I would like to show my support for art and music in our schools because it is my belief that having good programs in school is mandatory, not just a luxury. My children's experience in the DD schools has been nothing but superb. It starts with Mr. B and Ms. E in the primary school. Mr. B is not just teaching these kids to sing nursery rhymes. If you ever attend one of his concerts you’ll be surprised at how great the kids sound. It’s not unusual for the kids to hear names like Chopin or Bach. Ms. E teaches about great artists like Van Gogh or Monet. These kids are not just fooling around with arts and crafts they are really producing art. She treats their work with respect and admiration.

In the elementary school Mrs. A taps their creative side and is constantly having an "art gallery showing" of beautiful pieces just outside the door of the art room. I’ve always loved to go into the building just to see what’s new. Art club is held after school for the artists in the school. Also in the elementary school Mr. K is not just getting the kids to sing, he’s teaching them about rhythm, melody and so much more. He’s teaching them to have the confidence to sing solo in front of the whole class. He has the opportunity of chorus and choir open to kids who want to sing more. I’ve heard both of these groups sing and I’m always amazed!

My girls started in the orchestra in third grade with Mrs. S. If you’ve ever listened to a third grade orchestra student you’d be impressed with the patience she must have. They start out plucking "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" in third grade and by the time they are through middle school they’ve learned to tune their own instrument by ear and mastered the talent of vibrato. So far this year I am impressed with Mr. S, conductor of the high school orchestra. The music he chooses is quite difficult, challenging the students and keeping them interested. I can’t wait for the first concert.

Also in the middle school, Mrs. S and Mrs. Y have some students that show so much talent that the school is decorated with framed pieces done by students over the years. Mrs. Y has an after school art club and Mrs. Sakoutis spends her after school time helping the students build the sets for the two plays that are performed.

These are the teachers that my children have had the privilege of having.I would like to personally thank them all.

All these teachers have many responsiblities that I haven’t even mentioned. I’m sure that there are many other art and music teachers in the DV school district that are just as outstanding. I would like to thank the school board for adopting a budget that allows for such great programs. I would encourage them to continue to make art and music a priority in our schools. To the taxpayers that do not have children in the school, I want to assure you that you are getting your money’s worth. I’ve seen first hand how much extra time and effort is required to deliver excellence!