Music and Art

Some of the most spiritual moments in my life have to do with creating or enjoying art or music. The arts bring us to a place that is beyond words and has the capacity to touch our deepest emotions.

I'm a retired teacher who substitutes in two local suburban districts. Yesterday I had the pleasure of subbing for an art teacher at the local middle school. The students were drawing cartoons, and the halls were full of fantastic pastel portraits created by eighth graders. I spent the whole day amazed at the creativity of the students and enjoying their obvious pleasure in their wonderful projects.

Later I took my son-in-law's djembe drum to a local craftsman to get the head repaired. The drum maker was just getting ready to go to his daughter's high school for a recognition program for the theatre students. We talked about how important it is that the high school has a great music and theatre program.

My daughter is a vocal music teacher at a middle school near Columbus. Tonight we will go to watch her students perform. I am looking forward to seeing the students I've heard her talk to me about on the phone. It has been pretty evident that she takes great pleasure in helping students make and enjoy music.

Music and art was really on mind today so, it made me really sad to read in the paper that the Akron school district would be forced to cut their instrumental music program at the elementary level. They will be cutting 82 teaching positions in all. Music is just one of the ways that the students will be short changed in their education. School funding in Ohio needs reform. Every child deserves a good education that provides not just the basics, but the opportunity to create, explore and develop all of their varied talents. I was glad to see that one of the members of our church, Scott Piepho has helped to organize Next Step for Akron to get the levy passed. Although passing the levy may provide a bandage for Akron schools, Ohioians need to push the legislature to give all Ohio students the education they deserve. To join with others in this cause go to Ohio Fair Schools web site.