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Students Speak Out

As a high school senior, I've been lucky to have the arts in my school. However, it saddens me to think that it might be gone in the near future. I've been involved with band most of my life, and it has definitely been the most rewarding experience of my life. Please keep this program in schools to ensure that many more students have the oppurtunity to have the most complete, and exciting, education they could possibly have.
12th grader

I've been waiting from 2nd grade to play music. I'm so excited.
-5th grader

"I think that music/arts should be introduced at around 1st or 2nd grade so children can find a way to express themselves."
-9th grader "Why not start students in the 3rd or even 4th grade? There used to be programs in those grades, too. If I had been forced to wait until the 6th grade to start playing a stringed instrument, I never would have chosen to play. If you start earlier, you're freer to experiment and be adventurous. But, by the time you get to the 6th grade, you're concerned about not being noticed and about fitting in. The cello is such a big part of my life now; I really cannot imagine life without it."
-6th grader

“Band is one of the few reasons I come to school, it is also my favorite class. The music arts is like math you need to start from the beginning to understand the lessons later on. For example you read a book left to right in America reading the ending is "noob sauce" and can not be done.”
-9th grader

"I've been taking music for 4 year and currently taking art class. I believe every student should have the opportunity to learn music & art at school. Not all students is rich enough for private lesson."
-12th grader

"I have found a family in marching band. I have learned a lot, and I love what I do with them."
-11th grader

"I love my music class."
-12th grader

"I really apreciate my oppurtunity to learn a new instrument."
-11th grader

"I believe music is just as important to my education as math or english, because it helps me with memorization, creativity, and even social skills."
-10th grader

"We need music!"
-10th grader

"I think that music and other arts are vital to build childrens character. They learn that doing something different like playing an instrument or participating in a local play, will help them gain skills they cant in a classroom. The arts help us as student express ourselves in different way. We also stay out of trouble and gain responsibilities. Therefore making us more responsible I think that having a place like the bandroom, or a choir room or a theater to call home is worth every penny."
-12th grader

"I think music is very important to any kids, no matter how old they are. Also, music can affect a child’s manner in a positive way. No school should cut music class. It is our students’ enjoyment in school."

-12th grader

"Education is needed for our future!!"
-12th grader

"I enjoy music class, even if this is my first year. This oppourtunity is a great opportunity because there may be other students who would like to pursue with music in their future."
-12th grader

"I believe that all children should always have music in lives and it should not be taken away from them. Music is important and it can inspire them to become the best of themselves."
-12th grader

"To me music calms me down and lowers my stress. I really appreciate music and I hope it stays."
-11th grader

"I never really took instruments, but I do love listening to music, & I want to learn. So I hope that we will be able to keep music and arts at school, because other than school, I do not get the chance to learn music."
-9th grader

"I think that having the chance to freely be able to learn how to play musical instruments in school is important."
-12th grader

"I appreciate the opportunity to be able to learn an instrument in school and I believe that it would be something I would continue in the future."
-11th grader

"Music and Art classes keep interest in students and helps stimulate creative thinking and innovative ideas, and should be kept under any circumstance."
-11th grader

"Please save the arts! Kids need an outlet for school, and I think arts such as music or painting is a great way to relieve stress and supports creativity."

-11th grader

I am very thankful to be apart of the music class or any fine arts class I could have taken. I’ve always wanted to further my knowledge of music and finally have the opportunity because I couldn’t afford outside classes. So thank you. YYY =) It is much appreciated!!!"
-12th grader

"I tried to get music class Freshman year, but I couldn’t. Now I have & its really fun. I love it."
-11th grader

"Arts in general is what everybody lives for, or would want to live for, whether you are a math major or science major, art is the foundation of our sane existence. Besides, where else would I hang out if not the band room? (metaphorically and literally)."
-12th grader

"I really agree that students should receive a musical and artistic education. Because I am student that attends high school seem and feel like doing better every time I listen and play in band. It helps me with my focus. That is also one reason why teachers sometimes play classical music in class."
-10th grader

"Marching in the Rose Parade with the AUSD Band was a very rewarding experience for me, music is such a great part of public education."
-11th grader

"Music has united the world and without it, there would be no cultural experiences.”
-9th grader

"The arts should be preserved so that all children are able to express their creative sides and enjoy music and other arts.
-9th grader

"I really enjoyed all the activities that we have done over the years. They have all been truly an experience that an average person will never experience and hope that future years will experience stuff that I will never forget.
-11th grader

"Never in my life have I ever worked so hard to perfect something no where near perfection.
-11th grader

"Music is my inspiration. Without music, I’d be the same as the other kids. It makes me who I am today!
-10th grader

"Being in marching band has been an experience I will never forget. It allows me to take a break from the stresses of school work. As a result of the band program, I have been able to march in an internationally televised parade (Rose Parade 2009) and made a handful of lifelong friends. Every student should have the choice to be in a music program.
-11th grader

"I believe that music and arts are an equal subject to any of the other subjects at school. Arts can give us a steady focus of learning and gives us a new passion.
-9th grader

"I like band, and it would suck if it got cancelled.
-10th grader

"Band’s awesome. It totally changed my life.”
-9th grader

"I look forward to my fourth period because it gives me a chance to play an instrument that I love. And I get to play with the school and get instruction on how to play correctly.”
-11th grader

"Thanks for helping!
-Student

"People who have join any art related programs have had a better futures."
-10th grader

"Hi! Thanks for supporting our school! Without you helpers we wouldn't be able to play music anymore. So thank you very much!
-9th grader

"It is crucial for the district to fund The Arts. The Arts can help us excel in college and in the future. Please help all students/musicians and I to have a proper funding."
-12th grader

"As a high school senior, I've been lucky to have the arts in my school. However, it saddens me to think that it might be gone in the near future. I've been involved with the band most of my life, and it has definitely been the most rewarding experience of my life. Please keep this program in schools to ensure that many more students have the opportunity to have the most complete, and exciting education they could possibly have."
-12th grader

"I think music theory should be introduced in 4th grade so that they can easaly pick up an insturment by 8th grade."
-9th grader

"Art encourages imagination, creativity and individuality and should be a regular contributer to a student's curriculum as early as possible."
-11th grader