President’s Column

Second, we have to find a way to get accurate information about the very tangible benefits of sequential arts study into the minds of decision makers. This is very difficult. It has been demonstrated that despite our rational facade, emotion plays a huge role in decisionmaking. Most adults probably made their minds up about the value of arts education when they were in high school. If they missed that part of education, it is very difficult to portray in words the importance and benefits of an experiential form of learning. Even trickier is how do you explain that quality of life and thought is superior for those with deep arts experience without implying some sort of inferiority for the listener who did not have that advantage?

Third, assuming we convince a critical mass of decision makers of the value of the artsas-the-center model, we must convince the customer-parents and the practitioners, our teacher colleagues.

Fourth, and perhaps easiest, we must convince businesses that people grounded in the arts make better workers—they have creative approaches, people skills, persistence, and high standards. I say easiest, because I think many businesses have already figured this part out.

Ms. Castillo and Mr. Burk suggested that we, as music educators, could have significant impact on our legislators. Their suggestion was that we develop a grassroots movement to invite and encourage our local legislators to attend our concerts and performances. Once they are in attendance, recognize them, and have a pre-arranged persistent array of parents speak with them. They must realize the value that arts education has to their constituents and to understand that “more of the same” is not good enough.

How much effort would it take each of us to do this? One or two 3-minute phone calls, an email, or letter perhaps. One or more of your students could probably do these things with equal or even greater effect! Organize parents who can and will speak to the benefits they have seen. One or two 3-minute phone calls-then put an outer limit on it!

I learned when compelled to visit and lobby our Oregon representatives and senators in Washington, D.C., a few years back, that they are people. They are influenced by every personal contact that is made.

I am hereby starting an “Advocacy Honor Roll” for those of you who accept the challenge and get back to me on the experience of honoring a state legislator at your performance! Give me anecdotal detail, and we will post your names on the website as great examples for the rest of us. My email is jhowell2@eou.edu and I anxiously await your results! So anxious am I that we will count legislative presence clear back to the beginning of this school year! You are some of the only people qualified and able to interject this voice of reason into the dialogue on education. Go for it!