SOFA

To Whom It May Concern,

I was hoping I would never have to type such a letter as this, but I see that the time has come that I feel it necessary to do so.

It concerns me that the government is even considering this change to fine arts programs in schools. The damage and disappointment that these proposed changes would cause would be nasty to say the least.

For the last 25+ years, I have seen first hand the value these programs have in our schools….actually, more than 25 years, as I too am a product of the Calgary Board of Education’s fine arts curriculum. The last 25+ years, I have been witness to the effect that fine arts have had on our students from the standpoint of a clinician/educator/tutor of countless students in both Public and Separate school boards province-wide.

I’ve also been witness to many students admitting to me that their motivation to come to school is mainly due to the fine arts programs, and yes, many have also admitted to me that if it weren’t for the fine arts programs, they would have dropped out.

You see, there are many valuable aspects fine arts programs in schools offer, that elected officials couldn’t possibly see from a government office or by reading a “study”. You couldn’t possibly know how much good these programs do unless you’ve seen and heard what I and my colleagues have. Funny, I’ve never seen students come out of math class with tears in there eyes and their heads held high because of such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride like I have after a seemingly flawless concert or festival adjudication…..have you??

Not only do fine arts teach students to work together as a creative unit to set and accomplish goals and to interact effectively with others, it also teaches them what is likely the most important life lesson they’ll ever know…..what it feels like to be human. Why take that away from them??

It has been proven time and time again that fine arts students are more effective learners and better students all around…..wouldn’t the government want that??

I’ll close by quoting a conductor by the name of Dr. Eugene Corporon (North Texas State University)….someone that I worked with as a member of the 1984 Alberta Provincial High School Honour Band. Before performing our last selection he addressed the audience, and part of what he said has stuck with me all these years, and it still “rings true” for me and for countless other students over the past 25+ years as well…..I know because I’ve seen it first hand. He said, and I quote:

“Whether or not these young people go on to be professional musicians is irrelevant to the fact that they have had a special experience that has put them in touch with their soul more than anything else can.”

Why deny future students of that same experience??

Sincerely,
Pat Belliveau

(Professional Saxophonist, Artist/Clinician – Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.)
(Bishop Pinkham Jr. H.S. Music Dept. (Calgary Graduate 1982)
(Central Memorial H.S. Music Dept. (Calgary) Graduate 1985)
(BMus – University of Calgary 1996)

http://www.patbelliveau.com