Music to Our Ears by Johnathan Moreno - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

AUGUST
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Music to Our Ears

By Johnathan Moreno, Community Writer
August 20, 2014 at 08:10am. Views: 94

After years of silence, music programs are being restored to the Val Verde Unified School District. Five years ago, as a result to tough economic ties, music programs were cut in order to maintain other educational programs. During this time, elementary schools lost their music and art programs Lou Randall, the newly hired STEAM coordinator says, “Research is very clear in regards to early art and music education.” As noted author Daniel Pink stated in his book, A Whole New Mind, Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, we are moving out of the information age and into the conceptual age which will require students to acquire a skill set that is developed through art and music education. These 21st century skills will prepare students for college and career readiness. Michael McCormick, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, states, “Bringing back elementary music is music to my ears.” Val Verde Unified, with the full support of the board has hired three itinerant music teachers, Amy Morgan, Josh Figueroa, and Bryan Smith. They will each have four sites and teach third, fourth, and fifth grade music. Each site will also have a choir and band. Juan López, Superintendent is passionate about music education and states he is “looking forward to attending the performances and meeting our youngest musicians and their families.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of:

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 35

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 142

A crossing guard helps students safely cross the street as families return to their back-to-school routines. Riverside County officials are reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert and use extra caution in school zones throughout August.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 200

San Bernardino County Fire and LifeStream Blood Bank are encouraging residents to donate blood this summer to help maintain the supply needed for local hospitals and emergency medical care.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 186

San Bernardino County voters prepare for the November 3, 2026 General Election as candidates and local ballot measures take shape across the county.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 138

A landscaped streetscape reflects a blend of residential neighborhoods, local businesses and scenic mountain surroundings as the community plans for future growth.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 142

Grand Terrace residents enjoy a community gathering at a local park, where families, children and older adults come together for outdoor activities and neighborhood connections.

Photo Courtesy of: West Valley Water District

By Socorro Pantaleon , Contributing Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 160

wWth the support of Congresswoman Norma Torres. The Bloomington Phase 3B Project addresses decades-old water infrastructure challenges by relocating water infrastructure into public street rights-of-way and upgrading aging pipelines and fire hydrants.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 152

Members of Colton’s 50+ Club enjoy a painting activity while sharing conversation and laughter, highlighting how recreation programs encourage creativity, friendship, and active community involvement among older adults.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 146

Colton residents take part in a City Hall Citizens Academy session, gaining an inside look at municipal departments, public services, and how local government works to serve the community.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 141

Summer days become lasting memories as Riverside children run, play and build new friendships through community recreation programs that keep young people active and connected while school is out.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 142

The season is underway. Moreno Valley student-athletes return to fields, courts and pools this August, bringing competition, teamwork and school pride back to campuses across the community.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 19, 2026 at 08:12am. Views: 148

A new school year begins in Moreno Valley as students return to campus with backpacks, fresh goals and the excitement of new opportunities ahead.

--> -->