How important are the arts?

It was recently announced that a local arts patron and benefactor gave $85 million dollars to the Cincinnati Symphony, Opera and the Ballet. The purpose of this extraordinary gift was to enable and ensure that musician salaries would be funded and keep the arts alive via live music in the community. This is a wonderful gift to our community and such a needed boost during these challenging times, especially for struggling arts organizations.

I read a letter to the editor in yesterday’s Cincinnati Enquirer criticizing the gift. The writer suggested that the money could be better used to help house and clothe homeless and out of work people. Indeed, assisting individuals with basic needs is fundamental and absolutely critical in a civilized culture. But so are the arts. Even though just a minority of individuals routinely attend live concerts, theater or visit art museums, the arts are pervasive throughout every day life.

Take your cereal box, which is found in pretty much every person’s kitchen. The design on the cereal box required some kind of artistic thought, not unlike the process used by artists of all kinds. Listen to the commercials on television. They require the same melodic elements that a composer employs – pitch, rhythm, harmony and form. When a culture does not support the arts at the highest level, that of the professional artist, then everyone suffers. The absence of art – in every form – at the highest level will ultimately trickle down to popular culture and everyday life. And our lives will turn to a monochrome black and white existence, without the rainbow of sounds and images that warm and delight our minds and souls.

So yes, please give generously at this time of year, and whenever you can, to those in need who don’t have the good luck that we do. But also remember the arts which needs each and every one of us too!

May you have peace and joy at this special time of year.

Amy

The Three P’s to Success

As my hand continues to heal I have had to exercise a lot of patience. That got me to thinking how important patience is in not just our coping with everyday stresses and challenges, but with our creative explorations. Young children learn to be patient and wait for results. If young children can, then certainly we adults should be able to exhibit patience. I really, really want to put my oboe together and see if my fingers will cover the keys but I have to be patient. So that’s the first P in my 3 p’s to success. The second is perseverence. Again, watching young children try something over and over reminds me that perseverence is also a key to artistic success. Professionals know this. Without perseverence, very talented artists would give up before that golden opportunity finally arrives. Finally, pride. I see our teachers congratulating and applauding those achievements of our students. Pride in all our successes, big and small, adds value and worth to our efforts. I am so proud of all of our students and faculty and their artistic efforts — I have seen the patience and perseverence that it takes to get there!

Have a rich and peaceful Thanksgiving,

Amy

arts education is more than just teaching (and learning)

This past weekend five events occurred in our school that were not about teaching but everything about arts education.
We had a fundraising recital at a lovely home where we showcased our fantastic faculty. We were able to share the importance of what we are about through an intimate professional performance. Meanwhile, in another part of town, Suzuki parents were meeting to talk about shared challenges and highs and lows of Suzuki parenting. The next day, I observed our talented high school students rehearsing for an upcoming performance with the Cincinnati Symphony and the excitement and enthusiasm was contagious. Segue to one of our ongoing student recitals where very young piano students were poised and professional, some in their first performances. Finally, finishing the day, I went to a “soiree” hosted by our voice department head where she invited her students, beginners and advanced, to enjoy their music in a relaxed and social environment.
I look back at the last 48 hours and realize that these moments of coming together for different, yet similar opportunities make arts education so special. It is all about creating community and sharing, through the gift of the arts!
Amy