Arts in schools need to be preserved

Karen Leffler / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: February 11, 2008

I have two daughters who attend Culpeper schools. My 5th grader plans on continuing band and art next year at Floyd T. Binns. Last year one of her artworks was one of three pieces chosen from Culpeper to compete for state awards. She is currently learning to play the flute in 5th grade band and is in the 5th grade honors choir. 

My other daughter attends CCHS and will be attending  Eastern View High School next year. She has been accepted into three choirs, Troubadours, Show Choir and Women's A Capella. She has also been in five school plays and won the music award last year at Floyd T. Binns for her accomplishments in ACDA Choirs.

The opportunities my girls have had in Culpeper schools have defined who they are today. Their fine arts teachers need to be recognized for all their outstanding instruction, encouragement and guidance they have given, especially Doray and Jeff Walker, Tiffany Richtarski, Rebecca and Adam Roach, Maggie Lawrence, Kathleen Holter, Benjamin Temple, Dana Peterson, Karen Testerman and Andrea Cottrill. They are truly the finest and do not deserve to lose their jobs after all the hard work and the dedication they have shown to these students of ours.

I want to say that I think having two new schools here in Culpeper is a great thing. However, it is what we do in those schools that will be the most important thing.

When we consider the question of doing away with the arts programs, we need to look at the real cost.

Can we really put a dollar figure on enrichment in the arts- Is this the real problem-

In a small town like Culpeper there are not too many things to do or places to go. Do we really want idle youth without constructive things to do in our community-

The arts create many activities for our children and allow positive outlets for expression. We need to place value on these golden opportunities.

Imagine a football game without the marching band or drum line. Where is the school spirit-

Imagine undecorated halls without pictures created by the student body.

How then do we teach appreciation for the talents and gifts of others-

Do you really want to see white walls and empty auditoriums-

Or would you prefer to imagine yourself as a Culpeper student in a school play learning to express yourself in front of an audience through a character, learning self confidence and teamwork; getting opening night jitters, then celebrating with other students after a performance that makes an audience rise out of its seats with applause.

Then imagine a spring concert with the excitement of singing and music where students come together to play for a full house that is moved to tears by their singing.

These are examples of true enrichment; to watch our neighbors children get the chances to make reasons for a community to gather in good clean fun.  

I challenge our leaders to do whatever it takes to support the arts for our children -whatever the cost!