To the editor:
It was a thrill seeing 25 young musicians from Prince George performing wonderful music on June 4 at the Martin Exeter Hall.
A concert of this nature is rare because with all the government budget cuts, the music is considered a non-essential activity and is the first to go. It is very unfortunate politicians and government administrators do not realize how much it costs society without music education in schools.
I truly admire schools who embrace music and arts in their curriculums. Investments in music education will benefit students academically and socially as proven in scientific studies by noted educators.
Students receiving music and fine arts will turn out to be decent citizens and contributors to the betterment of society.
Said William Earhart, former Music Educators National Conference president of the United States: “Music enhances knowledge in the areas of mathematics, science, geography, history, foreign language, physical education, and vocational training. Music not only inspires creativity and performance, but academic performance over all is seriously impacted. A research study produced by the Harris Poll has shown nine out of 10 individuals with post graduate degrees participated in music education.
An education in music also increases overall brain activity. Research done at the University of Wisconsin has indicated that students with musical instruments experience performed 34 per cent higher on tests that measure spatial-temporal lobe activity, which is the part of the brain that is used when doing mathematics, science, and engineering.
Assistant superintendent for Virginia curriculum and instruction Dr. Patricia Powers said, “It is not unusual to see program cuts in the area of music and arts when economic issues surface. It is indeed unfortunate to lose support in this area especially since music and the art programs contribute to society in many positive ways.”
Anthony Lau
108 Mile Ranch
