Maybe we can get SMRR to take the cash they have earmarked toward running their new candidates for the school board and convince them to give it directly to the schools instead. He is a member of the marching band and expects to continue participating throughout his high school career. I have another child who attends Lincoln Middle School. She is plays the flute and wants to join the Santa Monica High School Marching Band after she graduates middle school. I believe that music programs are important components of our children's education.
Music develops skills in listening and in understanding complex concepts.
It can be a bridge to history, mathematics and science. Beyond these benefits, music and art programs provide a common bond between students of differing cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. It would seem that you would want to promote programs that have such benefits rather than cut them back. California seems to be searching for methods to improve its educational programs to address deficiencies highlighted by the standardized testing programs. I would appreciate your efforts to reevaluate the budget to find the necessary funds to improve the music programs in our schools.