The future of music in the community will be
determined by the quality of commitment instilled in
students and parents. Only when it is important to every
parent in the community that their child has the
opportunity to be a part of band, choir, orchestra,
theater, or have a part in the musical, will the Fine
Arts and elective courses be secure in their position in
the curriculum. It is imperative that we provide music
instruction for not only the gifted and talented, but
also those who simply enjoy being involved. This
involvement enables everyone to learn about the arts and
other activities, and may plant the seed for future
participation as these students move into adult life - in
their families, communities, and churches, as they become
the society's leaders.
The commitment of parents and interested citizenswill
be a determining factor in the future of arts and
everyone's quality of life.
Geraldine Kidwell
Program Manager - High School Completion and Student Support
Division
Texas Education Agency
Our business community keeps reminding us that
they want individuals who are good at problem
solving, higher order thinking, risk-taking,
teamwork, discipline, and creativity. These are
constituent parts of all fine arts programs.
Music instruction has been related to higher
achievement in reading comprehension; spelling;
mathematics; general academic achievement;
verbal, perceptual I and spatial mental
abilities; ability to use and manipulate symbols;
conflict-resolution skills; and very important
positive self-esteem. (Wolff)
The arts help retain students in school and so
improve graduation rates. Many children have
cited arts participation as their primary reason
for coming to school each day.
Indifference to the refinement of perception and
inattention to the development of imagination
limit child's mental growth. You will find no
indifference to these issues in the arts
classroom.
Dr. William V. May
Past President of the Texas Coalition for Music
Education
Dean, Baylor University School of Music
