Music to Our Ears

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.”