Tri-City College Preparatory High School Newspaper

Essential Music

By Joe Levie
          The economic recession our nation is experiencing has forced the government to make budget cuts in federally funded programs. In public schools, one of the first things to go, unfortunately, has been music and fine arts programs. Is taking music out of the education of future generations really a sacrifice we can afford to make? President of the McDonald’s Corporation Edwards H. Rensi said that “In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.” So, in relation to Rensi’s statement, music provides qualities applicable to success in all areas of life. How is it then logical that the government forfeits the music programs that inspire students with the determination and intellect needed to rise out of this recession? It is not. Music education enhances the skills and aptitude that government already seeks to improve in public schools including mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, and basic attention span and should not be dropped from public education under any circumstances.
         In our modern school system the traditional requirements of music’s role in the curriculum have been: an essential part of teaching in the preschool and kindergarten years, a mandatory set aside class in elementary schools along with extra-curricular clubs, and an elective in middle school and high schools. These requirements are appreciated and beneficial in education until our officials decide the elective opportunities of middle school and high schools are not valuable enough to keep spending money on in a time of low funds. This is a stage of life when band practice could be the inspiration of a musical career or just the creative outlet and safeguard to the academic pressures faced in higher education. In high school, music appreciation is the key to students gaining a “broad cultural and historical perspective” seeing as it is a part of world history and culture. “The adult life of every student is enriched by the skills, knowledge, and habits acquired in the study of music.” It is an essential part of our education worth the efforts to find funding for the progress of a future generation.
        There have been programs established to protect and support music in schools such as VH1, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, MENC, Children’s Music Workshop etc. They have done a lot of good in providing instruments to schools and informing people around the nation of this important cause. As the issue approaches once again as it did in the 90’s, we in the school and local communities must be ready to support the program ourselves. Music interest must be shown and promoted to ensure our education the benefits and joys of music.

Times

April 7- Math AIMS Testing
Required for Sophomores
Jrs/Srs who wish to retest

-Stanford 10 for all freshman

- All students who have exceeded on Math AIMS may take the day off

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"The views expressed in articles published in Denobis are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views, policies, or opinions of DeNobis, Tri-City College Preparatory High School, or its instructors or staff."