As if school bands (and orchestras) aren't struggling enough, the Anne Arundel County School Board is implementing a 6 period day for middle school, a switch from the A/B day. Good idea, right? Not so fast.
Instead of music every day, or at least every other day, music instruction stays every third day, but now class time is cut to 58 minutes from 86 - a 32% cut in instruction time.
Wun-der-full of ____.
Why do we need music, after all? We have to teach kids how to count! (Music does that.) We have to teach them to read! (Music does that.) We need to teach them history. (Music does that.) We need to teach them appreciation for other cultures. (Music does that.) We have to teach them self-expression and self-esteem! (Music does that.) We need them to get physically fit! (Marching music does that.)
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
To join in the crusade, send a thoughtful, kind but firm e-mail or letter:
Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Superintendent
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2644 Riva Raod
Annapolis, MD 21401
School board members can be found by clicking here.
Tell you own story, and back it up with your life experiences. And if you need more information, click here to access a great document on the Music For All website.
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