Expo aims to raise community awareness on art, music education
NORWICH – The recently formed Save Arts and Music Education advocacy group will host its first-ever student exposition from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the United Church of Christ, 11 W. Main St.
The SAME Art and Music Expo will feature its very own art gallery and a variety of musical performances, representing every grade level and all four schools within the Norwich City School district, according to high school music teacher Mary Mayo and Perry Browne grade school art teacher Kathy Pfeifer.
The pair of educators – who work closely with SAME – will also give a brief presentation on the importance of music and the arts in the educational process. Encouraging the community as a whole to voice its opinion on the topic is a priority, as well, they said.
The exposition is being held in response to comments made by district administration in The Evening Sun’s 2012 edition of Progress Chenango, which mentioned the possibility of cuts to programs district-wide that would be “deeply felt,” said Pfeifer. For the students, parents, educators and community members who make up SAME, it’s important to be pro-active rather than reactive, if those types of cuts are brought to the table.
“Decisions are being made and deep cuts were mentioned,” said Mayo. “The (administration) also invited community input and we are echoing that ... we’re inviting people to state their opinion on the role of the arts in the educational process.”
That role, said Pfeifer and Mayo, is a vital one. And both teachers stressed that music and art – unlike many programs – are not extra-curricular. They are, in fact, part of the common core standards the school district is now operating under, said the pair.
“It’s that distinction that concerns me and it’s an important distinction,” added Mayo. “In terms of brain development, art and music are essential ... I’m not sure everyone sees it that way.”
SAME was formed as a result of scheduling issues within the district that many of its members felt would negatively impact the music program, particularly at the high school level. Its members have continued their efforts to emphasize students’ accomplishments in both music and art, and to meet on a weekly basis.
There is no cost of admission for the SAME Art and Music Expo. For more information contact Betsy Mahannah at 334-5505.
The SAME Art and Music Expo will feature its very own art gallery and a variety of musical performances, representing every grade level and all four schools within the Norwich City School district, according to high school music teacher Mary Mayo and Perry Browne grade school art teacher Kathy Pfeifer.
The pair of educators – who work closely with SAME – will also give a brief presentation on the importance of music and the arts in the educational process. Encouraging the community as a whole to voice its opinion on the topic is a priority, as well, they said.
The exposition is being held in response to comments made by district administration in The Evening Sun’s 2012 edition of Progress Chenango, which mentioned the possibility of cuts to programs district-wide that would be “deeply felt,” said Pfeifer. For the students, parents, educators and community members who make up SAME, it’s important to be pro-active rather than reactive, if those types of cuts are brought to the table.
“Decisions are being made and deep cuts were mentioned,” said Mayo. “The (administration) also invited community input and we are echoing that ... we’re inviting people to state their opinion on the role of the arts in the educational process.”
That role, said Pfeifer and Mayo, is a vital one. And both teachers stressed that music and art – unlike many programs – are not extra-curricular. They are, in fact, part of the common core standards the school district is now operating under, said the pair.
“It’s that distinction that concerns me and it’s an important distinction,” added Mayo. “In terms of brain development, art and music are essential ... I’m not sure everyone sees it that way.”
SAME was formed as a result of scheduling issues within the district that many of its members felt would negatively impact the music program, particularly at the high school level. Its members have continued their efforts to emphasize students’ accomplishments in both music and art, and to meet on a weekly basis.
There is no cost of admission for the SAME Art and Music Expo. For more information contact Betsy Mahannah at 334-5505.
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