The Music Woman

I am extremely lucky in having grown up in a family where music played (and still plays) a central role. My sister and I played the piano, sang in choir, played the viola and cello, and participated in musicals. I learned to play the French Horn in high school, just because I thought it was beautiful. We were extremely lucky to have the opportunities to pursue music like we did; we had private lessons and we were always able to see a number of touring Broadway productions. I can't imagine a life where music would not be a part of it. While the talk of educational cuts are never-ending, music programs across the nation are always on or very close to the chopping block. Many school districts have already abandoned music programs all together. Stories like this show that music is a necessary element in our lives, and one that we must pursue regardless of funding. Of course, not many of us will go on to become the next Joshua Bell, but being given the opportunity to explore music, the challenge to make it, and the ability to partake in being a part of a greater whole exemplifies the idea of Ubuntu unlike much else.


http://www.npr.org/2011/02/27/134057057/free-music-lessons-build-a-priceless-community