The Arts in our schools are and have been in jeopardy of being cut for years. I know ... I know. Funds are limited.
So do we make sure that the kids get a nutritious lunch or that they can play in the band? Maybe it's shop classes { carpentry, electrical, plumbing} that make the most sense? Or maybe just math and science education should be guaranteed.
So do we make sure that the kids get a nutritious lunch or that they can play in the band? Maybe it's shop classes { carpentry, electrical, plumbing} that make the most sense? Or maybe just math and science education should be guaranteed.
The Fine Arts {Drama classes, Band/Orchestra, Chorus, Writing classes, Painting/Sculpture, PHOTOGRAPHY!} are important parts of an education - they can prove life changing - and for some kids life saving.
I honestly believe that participating in the Arts can be just as life-direction-changing as math or football can be for a student. All of these activities give one a sense of pride. And pride in one's self is empowering.
Recently the town where I raised my kids had a real scare when millions of dollars were about to be removed from the fine arts budget and many programs were going to be cut.
The town rose to the occasion and came out to speak to the town council. The parents and students, and former students spoke. Not to say that the arts were more important than supplying a nutritious lunch for the students who needed that financial assistance ... or the football program or making sure that there would be money to heat the school buildings, But just to say that they were better and more focused on their life path and more confident that what they did each day mattered because of the Arts in the schools.
The town rose to the occasion and came out to speak to the town council. The parents and students, and former students spoke. Not to say that the arts were more important than supplying a nutritious lunch for the students who needed that financial assistance ... or the football program or making sure that there would be money to heat the school buildings, But just to say that they were better and more focused on their life path and more confident that what they did each day mattered because of the Arts in the schools.
The arts may seem intangible ... but the results they provide are clearly seen.
