Hi there,
I'm a Music Education major and I was wondering who had any thoughts on the huge cuts being done in the arts and music in the schools. People like Straight No Chaser are the perfect reason why music should not be cut. Their music brings joy to anyone who listens and honestly, imagine the world with out music. I just wanted some feed back or maybe any ideas as to how to help save the programs being shut down, and was wondering if anyone knew if SNC was doing anything about the crisis and how I could get involved in it.
Thanks!
Chaser for life-Emily
I agree. My music teacher from high school is a phenomenal teacher and by far the most amazing person I've ever met and I received news that her job is on the line right now. I wish there was more that could be done that would have an impact...I hope to have a secure future..I'm not going into music education for the money, but to see the enjoyment it can bring others, especially children
The cut backs in fine arts in schools is very upsetting to me. My son is a freshman in college pursuing music education. He is an avid jazz saxophone player AND he just joined an acapella group!
We were fortunate that our school system still had a very healthy music program including jazz band, marching band, wind ensemble etc. but I worry what his future is going to be like when he goes out into the world. Colleges are trying to teach them to be a jack of all trades so that they can survive after graduation but it is sad that live music is becoming so scarce.
This is just a blurb, but, I recently found out that my niece was awarded a grant to purchase iPads for her music program. She is the music teacher at a charter school (all grades), and while I can't speak for the issues a charter school may, or may not have, I'm very proud of her for her involvement in the music field. I guess as the times also represent in our schools, "there's an app for that"!! I don't have children, but if I did, would hope they would gravitate towards music in some fashion. I don't play an instrument, but I DO sing (or should I say "used to" sing?). Music is is so much more of our lives after one hangs up the cleats than anyone gives credit. So, to those of you in music education... go, Go, GO!!
Thank you for your feedback! :) It's really great to hear back from people that are in the field and are going through this. I just can't wrap my mind around why people think cutting the arts is ok. Music is EVERYWHERE seriously, just taking the time to think of life with out music or art is sad really. Sports are important too, I'm not disputing that but I agree with you Michelle about replacing it, that makes no sense. Sports don't really need to be taught. If you tell a kid to go play football, they'll do so but music and art need to be taught. They're school days are going to be quite boring with out the creative release. I feel bad for generations to come if there isn't a turn around.
I teach middle school (reading) and luckily our area still supports/funds the arts. 20 years of teaching have taught me that it's ALL POLITICS. So, if you want your system to do something- fund the arts, not slash teacher salaries, etc., you have to get LOTS of people to tell their lawmakers that that's what they want. Not just lots of teachers- if it's just us, we get called whiners- you need parents & students to speak up, too. Lawmakers will often do what the most vocal people want- they want to be reelected!
What a great topic, Emily! I majored in Instrumental Music in college & I don't know where I'd be without it! I understand the lack of jobs out there for music majors after graduation, TRUST ME! but without even having that possible outlet there... I don't want to even think about it.
I think what I dislike the most about the majority of the (performing) arts programs in schools being cut, are the reasonings behind the cuts. Sometimes, it's the basic issue of not having the funding or support, but in most cases that I've heard about, music and the arts are being replaced by sports programs. I'm not at all saying that these programs aren't as important, but to cut music and replace it with something else is a trend that is unfortunate. There are so many educational benefits to music, besides just artistic reasons. People don't realize people involved in the arts have greatly improved speech & writing skills, as well as sometimes it can have an affect on mathematical improvements.
I would love to find a way to, if not stop it, at least slow down the unfortunate cutting of music & the arts in schools. I know some of my greatest memories & friends...one's I will have for the rest of my life, I would never have if I didn't have music in some capacity, in my life from the start. It starts in music & in the schools!!
I don't know what the guys' specific views on the topic are...though I'm pretty sure they support the idea of music in schools :) & have charities that they support...Maybe, ask them?! Good luck with everything (majoring in Music is HARD...LOL.) & Take Care! :)