Music and Art in our schools

[mtransue]

What can we do to encourage the instruction and funding of arts programs in our schools?

[Marc D]

I would keep hammering at the PTA meetings.  At the elementary school level introduce and set aside time during class.  Talking to the district can be positive at times, but the closed minded "art doesn't matter" types are still around. Stats will show, schools with art and music excel academically.  Kids need that part of their brains to work OFTEN! It helps the stress and helps their grades.

[mtransue]

I agree. Music and art are essential to keep children interested in life and learning.  We cant expect them to derive everything they need from academics alone.  We ALL need to express are creativity somehow and we should absolutely encourage that in the school atmosphere.  I just don't understand why arts classes keep getting cut because of budget cuts.  These classes are just as important, if not more so, than the core academic classes.  NO MORE BUDGET CUTS, NO MORE ART CUTS!!

[sgrplm]

Hopefully the arts and music won't be cut.  When we moved to this school I was told that we would always have music and art because of some  program that we have that other districts don't have.  The arts do have an impact on how the mind works.  All of the private schools have a music program.  There is a reason for it.