Dear Future President,

My name is Emily and I would like to address an issue that I've been thinking about for some time. It is the music programs in schools. I have been playing the cello since I was 5. I am fortunate to have parents who can provide private lessons. Now that I am older, I would like to play with a school group. I looked into joining the orchestra in my school only to find out we do not have an orchestra program. In fact, we do not have an orchestra, band or choir program that is funded by the school. 

I attend a school in the Chicago Public Schools. It is one of the largest districts in the country, yet we do not have adequate school music programs. I was thinking about the music programs in other districts and discovered that many schools do not have good music programs, if any programs at all. Many schools simply do not have enough money to keep their music programs running, so they cut the programs. Since it is not a core subject, it is often cut first.

There are many ways that you can help fix the problem. First, it would be great to see many levels supporting the music funding in the schools including the federal, state and local taxes. It would also be great to see school principals find the funding within their school budgets by making it a priority for the school. If music is considered a core class, principals will be forced to find the funding for music education like they do with math class. Lastly, individual schools districts could be required to do fundraising to raise money to support music education.

Most schools in my school district do not have music programs funded by the school district. I am sure that all musical students would love an orchestra or band for them to showcase their talents. Please consider my ideas in increasing funding and making music a priority in every school for every child. If you go to the link http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/ it will tell you many benefits of music in the schools.

Sincerely,

Emily G.