Yes! to Steven Fraser's posting about music being important in Texas!!! Anyone who is interested in materials relating to music advocacy -- much of which can be used anywhere for your own advocacy battles -- might also wish to check this website:
<A HREF="http://www.tmea.org/">http://www.tmea.org/</A> then click on the link for "Advocacy" in the listing on the left side of the page.
In the 70's and early 80's, Texas educators, parents, administrators, and students had to fight for the arts, not only as 'enrichment', but to be considered 'basic' to the curriculum. It was the grassroots effort, multiplied thousands of times, which led to the situation as it exists today. Texas educators had watched the demise of the arts, particularly music, in some other states, and did not wish their state to go the same way. Being a Texas native, educated there, but then having lived and taught in several states, as well as Texas, I have always held the Texas music education scene with much respect and reverence. To have that many folks championing the cause of many musicians -- not to mention the TOTAL education of their children -- is awe-inspiring and has been a model for those who would go that same direction.
Lately I have been fortunate enough to meet and hear many good examples of good music education, public and private, here in the state where I live, North Carolina. I have met parents, students, and teachers who are dedicated to continued excellence in our art. Here's to all those who celebrate Music in Our Schools Week every week!!!
Sincerely, Lynda Lacy-Boltz Yellow Rose Studio Raleigh, NC
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