sleep, and/or their feelings are confused by trauma or instabil- ity in their homes. Music combines feelings and activity in a way that no other school subject can. When people talk about educating “the whole child,” I know that this is a place that music education excels.
So in conversations, I am not silent when people talk about education. I remind people that education is the bedrock of de- mocracy. I point out that even with all their problems, schools must remain the hope of each new generation—and that this is why we have to work to make them better, not starve them into oblivion. And then I bring up the necessity of music to create community and improve children’s overall education. I share stories, because telling stories is more convincing than facts or figures for most people. Think about your stories— and be ready to share one the next time someone tells you we can’t afford to have music in schools. “Here’s why we can’t afford NOT to have music…”
We have a way to go. Each semester when I make fieldwork placements, I am forcibly reminded that in the Flint area where I teach, music education is a privilege that is not avail- able in all school buildings. Even when music is available, it is often so under-resourced in terms of instructional time and materials that it cannot function as it should in the education of a whole child. But I remain optimistic, and I continue to speak up. It is easy to feel discouraged—to feel small and inconsequential. But together, our combined voices are pow-
erful. I hope that all of you will join me in sharing your stories and being an outspoken advocate.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
--Margaret Mead
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” --Lily Tomlin
Why we teach music…
Not because we expect you to major in music; Not because we expect you to sing all your life; Not so you can relax, not so you can have fun; But so you will
be...human. So you will recognize beauty. So you will be sensitive.
So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world. So you will have something to cling to.
So you will have more love, compassion, gentleness, good-- in short, more life!
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?
--Anonymous
7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36