For the past four years two of our children have been involved in the string orchestra and choral programs in the Williamsport Area School District. We have been so impressed with the quality of the instruction and the positive commitment to the music program, with incredible results.
We will be moving to Pittsburgh at the end of the month. Imagine our surprise to discover that a cultural city with an internationally-known symphony orchestra is cutting instrumental music for students in kindergarten through grade 8.
This when studies continue to show that participants in musical ensembles perform better across the board academically.
As other Pennsylvania school districts cut so-called 'extras' like music and art, I urge the people of Williamsport and the School Board to continually keep the arts as a vital part of the public school curriculum, even at financial cost to yourselves. It is an investment not only in your children, but in your city.
The strong arts program brings families into the city and makes it a better place to live and work. We surely are thankful for it and will miss it when we leave.
Maurice C. Frontz III
Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
