People often ask me why I'm in Grand Rapids when I could live anywhere. The answer is that I feel a responsibility to help take up the slack that the State of Michigan has been forced to give by this horrible stretch of terrible economic times.
Whatever the case, if there is no money, there is no money. We have to teach kids to read and write and do math. I understand that must come first when times are lean. But then the rest of us have to pick up the slack. We cannot just let the kids of today miss out on a crucial element in their development as human beings just because the State can't afford it. Just like the church is not the building but the people within, the State is not a set of documents or system of government. The State is its people. We are the State. So if we can't afford to do it through government, we have to do it through everyday people giving to, working and volunteering for local arts organizations. We must take up the slack in opportunities for creative development and artistic expression for our kids, and provide those opportunities ourselves. Yes I do work for a local arts organization and yes I do want to secure my job. But I do my job because I believe in the power of music to change lives. I know what it did for me, and I see everyday what it does for the kids and adults I spend my time with. So one last thing... be involved in bringing up our soci kids. Please find a way to help. The kids need and deserve your attention. To find out what we are doing to take up the slack, visit http://www.vocalmusicworkshop.org/about-the-vmw.html
Whatever the case, if there is no money, there is no money. We have to teach kids to read and write and do math. I understand that must come first when times are lean. But then the rest of us have to pick up the slack. We cannot just let the kids of today miss out on a crucial element in their development as human beings just because the State can't afford it. Just like the church is not the building but the people within, the State is not a set of documents or system of government. The State is its people. We are the State. So if we can't afford to do it through government, we have to do it through everyday people giving to, working and volunteering for local arts organizations. We must take up the slack in opportunities for creative development and artistic expression for our kids, and provide those opportunities ourselves. Yes I do work for a local arts organization and yes I do want to secure my job. But I do my job because I believe in the power of music to change lives. I know what it did for me, and I see everyday what it does for the kids and adults I spend my time with. So one last thing... be involved in bringing up our soci kids. Please find a way to help. The kids need and deserve your attention. To find out what we are doing to take up the slack, visit http://www.vocalmusicworkshop.org/about-the-vmw.html