I decided to rent "School of Rock" last night on PPV while I was writing thank you notes from graduation. I really thought it was cute. Worth an Oscar? No way. But I think its message is a good one--arts programs in schools are OH SO important.

I took all the AP classes I was supposed to--Calculus, English Lit, etc. Spent hours studying chemistry and physics. But the skills I acquired from heavily integrating music (piano lessons, voice lessons, parts in musicals, master classes, etc.) in my life are some of the most drawn-upon for me today. The leadership skills and self-confidence skills I developed during my musical endeavors are strong.

I wrote a music scholarship essay in high school and ended with this quote: I will not be successful because of my talents IN music, but I will be successful because of my talents FROM music. I stand by that statement today. And, that is partially why I donate (hopefully it will be more once I start practicing law) to the VH1 Save the Music Program and to my local high school's music department.

Posted by: Lawrenkm at 08:45 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 I couldn't have said it better myself...the skills that I have gained as a performer, I feel, will help me to be a skillful litigator and a successful attorney

Posted by: Kelly P. at May 15, 2004 03:36 PM (e0ylE)

2 I LOVED that movie! Jack Black is so the master of sarcastic comedy. Oh yeah, and the message was good too. ;-)

Posted by: Daisyhead at May 15, 2004 07:57 PM (ne1hV)

3 It is a shame that our schools are cutting these types of classes. I was a drama person and every other school I went to did not offer it or it had just gotten cut before I got there. Funny, you never see these schools cut sports do ya?

Posted by: Lori at May 16, 2004 02:14 AM (kmcg6)

4 I thoroughly enjoyed that movie! Jack Black was perfect for it! And you're so right...arts programs are an important part of school! Real shame those are the first to get cut.

Posted by: Kelly at May 16, 2004 06:57 PM (rQ7rr)

5 Good to hear! More people need to realize that the great artists and composers of the world were the foundation of human civilization including art, music, and theatre. Athletics and sports are important, but who can name an athlete from an Olympics in Greece?

Posted by: Brad at May 17, 2004 01:11 PM (PS936)

6 Spot on. I'm the legal scholar I am today because of the academic programs in my schools. I'm the professor I am--I'm the teacher I am--because of the integration of those academic programs with good music and drama programs (going back to public elementary school). (Anyway, now you know who to blame).

Posted by: Jeff Cooper at May 17, 2004 07:55 PM (CSRuh)

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