A Demand for the Fine Arts

A under the radar issue has been addressed in one of my classmates blog titled Texas, O Texas. The article argues that the public school districts in Texas do not have a strong enough requirement for the fine art departments. I agree with her arguments and how she puts things in prospective.

In the beginning of the article, a statement from the Texas Education Code was used. It explained how "Each district shall ensure that all children in the district participate actively in a balance curriculum designed to meet individual needs." The author makes the distention that Fine Arts courses are Enrichment courses and not in the same category of math and science which are Foundation courses. By using the quotes from the Texas Education Code, the author then makes the connection that dance, music, art, and theater are also in the guidelines and are require by law that all school districts must deliver instruction on all subjects.

The author uses personal opinion in the rest of the article to explain the importance of music. As an musician and photographer, the author gives interesting insight on how big an influence music has in our everyday lives. There are examples the author gives that shows the deeper meaning of music and how it could be used as a perfect outlet for individual expression.

I agree with the author completely. Through art we are able to discover ourselves or it could be used to find common ground with others. In the end, the author recommend that "Texas and every other state in the nation, as well as every country in our world need to demand and ensure that people, and especially children, receive more formal art instruction in their life." Music could do many thing like improving a child's early cognitive development, basic math, reading abilities, and self-esteem. More importantly music could help us be successful in life. We see this in a quote by Daniel A. Carp, Eastman Kodak Company Chairman and CEO, which states, "Music is one way for young people to connect with themselves, but it is also a bridge for connecting with others. Through music, we can introduce children to the richness and diversity of the human family and to the myriad rhythms of life."

Nowadays the people are pushing for stronger public education to give a bringer future for their children. I believe the arts education programs are able to help repair weaknesses in American education and better prepare workers for the 21st century.