Failing to pass, passing to fail.

Not going to blog about the new majority conservative government, except to say that I found the result very disappointing.  I really cannot believe that so many people hit the snooze button and returned a PM to Parliament who was twice voted in contempt. I digress . . . although I am not a stickler for rules, certain principles of respect and decency are incredibly important to me, Parliament being one.

Below is a letter I wrote after witnessing the final concert of the Carleton County Music Festival.  The Premier was there, opera singer Sally Dibblee presented the inaugural Roberta White memorial award (good work, Bragdon!), and the choirs really blew 'em away.  WHS choir currently has 70+ kids and they know a thing or two about the 'big sound' and Jen Muir's Corner Studio Choir was also right on the money.

So then I got to thinking about why our kids aren't allowed to do the Music Festival.  That's right, not allowed.  And then it made me indignant, which resulted in this letter.  I would encourage you to write, call or email the Superintendant and challenge her decision to take music away from kids.  They need the music.  Much more so than the tests.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Last night the Woodstock High School theatre came alive with the sounds of guitar, trumpet, piano and singers of all ages. One past performer remarked, “it just melts my heart.” Rightly so. Music is the birthright of every human being – our brains are wired for music and our hearts long for it.

What does a student learn in preparing for the Music Festival? They learn the self-discipline of practice, they learn to face the fear of performing in public, they learn to accept constructive criticism, and they learn the technical skills necessary for their particular piece of music.

But most importantly, the student attempts to give an emotionally expressive performance, one that moves us to joy, sorrow, laughter or celebration. What better experience could children have in today's world?

Today, schools in District 14 are occupied with the sounds of students preparing for year-end assessments – standardized tests. Our Superintendent will not allow students in Carleton County to participate in the Music Festival, unless they are in Grade 1 or Grade 3.

Why? The tests are more important to the School District than what the child learns from the process of preparing for and performing in the Music Festival. What a short-sighted position for our educational leaders to take.

There is a mountain of scientific educational research that proves that a quality music education makes kids smarter. Parents should challenge the District's decision not to allow all K-5 students to sing in the festival.

We need to stand up for kids – they love music, and they value the lessons it teaches. Our world needs more music, not less. Our kids deserve an education that teaches the brain, the hands, the voice and the heart to work together.

Amy Anderson

Tracy Anderson