Dear Editor:
Theater Angels Art League has supported Fine Arts in the Gilroy
Community for more than 30 years.
Dear Editor:
Theater Angels Art League has supported Fine Arts in the Gilroy Community for more than 30 years. During that time, Gilroy Unified School District has had a well-designed music curriculum for our elementary students taught by well-trained music specialists.
Unfortunately, as the last of the sixth graders move to middle school, the sixth-grade curriculum is being eliminated. If a student can afford a band instrument, music will be available. What will happen to those who love to sing? Brownell Academy has a fine choir, but South Valley Junior High has not offered choir for several years.
In the mid 1990s, music was eliminated from the curriculum for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades (the most critical time for improving student’s ability to learn in all areas). At that time, music classes for 4th, 5th and 6th graders were also cut by half. This reduction in musical opportunities for Gilroy children is already effecting the choirs at Gilroy High School (especially in participation by boys).
TAAL is concerned that these cuts will continue to limit our children’s education. Many students have difficulty learning when the creative pathways are not stimulated. And students who participate in elementary choirs invest enough hours of recess to equal three extra days of school per year. The voices of our children are not being heard. Who will speak for them?
A petition is being circulated in the community to encourage the Board of Education to support and maintain classroom music for all of our youngest children. If you would like to sign a petition or help circulate one, please call Faith Peterman at 847-2932. Petitions with signatures may be mailed to TAAL, All Arts, 7691 Eigleberry St. Suite C, Gilroy.
Arline Silva, President TAAL, William Flodberg, Faith Peterman, Laurie Ann Prado, Maria Ventura, Board Members
Submitted Friday, Aug. 1 to ed****@****ic.com
