Music and arts instil positive values
Re: Creative priorities, by Dave Waddell, May 19.
I was heartened to read your article on May 19 describing the commitment of our local boards of education to fostering the growth of music and arts programs in our schools.
Throughout the year, all schools present many concerts allowing students to portray their gifts. My wife and I had the pleasure of watching our grandson in Bellewood school’s Blast From the Past concert on May 16 at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts.
Students from grades 2 through 8 sang their hearts out to music of the ’50s and ’60s, and even the teachers danced onstage to one of the songs. The instrumental presentations of the student bands and even a drum line were a pleasure to hear.
This concert also raised significant funds for the We Care for Kids agency. Not only did the students have the opportunity to showcase their talents, they also learned compassion by volunteering to help a community cause.
Lessons such as this may help explain why so many young people in WindsorEssex demonstrate compassion by asking that birthday gift funds be instead directed to local social needs.
While some of today’s global issues can be frightening, we can instead focus on fostering positive and humanistic values in our young people, right here in our own community.
The wisdom of our local school boards in valuing arts and music programs recognizes that our youth are valued as more than mere academic test scores. Congratulations to both boards and especially to the front-line teachers in all disciplines who share their passion and love each and every day.
Our community is truly enriched by your gifts and we’ll continue to be blessed by your commitment to helping our youth find theirs.