Over my luke-warm cup of coffee this morning I was pondering this question, “How did I become an advocate for the Arts and Arts Education?” And then I laughed at myself, because that sounded like such a canned question for the purposes of marketing a program or product. But still, I reflected. At first I thought of college, when I started attending rallies, protests, and trainings on activism and organizing. No, it wasn’t my time in college that first brought the arts into my life. So I dug deeper and images of those Public Service Announcements from my childhood popped into my head. You know what I’m talking about, the ‘after school special’ style PSA, featuring celebrities, telling the youth of America to “Stay in School” or “Participate in the Arts”. I have to admit that those PSA’s were likely somewhat effective. The “cool factor” is hard to dismiss, especially for a twelve year old. But again, it wasn’t celebrity PSA’s or celebrity supported events like P.S. Arts Express Yourself 2009 that made a lasting impact on my impressionable young mind.
After this jumble of images and memories faded, finally the face emerged of a man who introduced the innovation of art to my education. It was the face of Mr. Wooster, my elementary school Orchestra teacher/conductor. I clearly remember the day in 3rd grade when our teachers led us into a large room with the other 3rd grade classes from Hawthorne Elementary school. I walked in just like every other third grade boy, pulling the pig tails of some poor girl in my class or wrestling with another classmate over a forbidden toy or some great question of debate that could only be settled by combat in the boys’ line. And perhaps I would have continued to tease or struggle if it hadn’t been for the beautiful sight that confronted me as I walked into that room. At the front of the room stood a line of stringed instruments, rich, lush even, in their highly polished woods of spruce, maple and poplar. My interest turned to wonder, as Mr. Wooster began to play the violin and that wonder turned into a life-long pursuit as I heard for the first time the deep, soothing sound of the cello.
What would my K-12 education have been like if I had not been introduced to my first love, the cello, on that day? I honestly can’t imagine it and wouldn’t want to. You see, it wasn’t a celebrity who convinced me to participate in arts education. It wasn’t canned questions or a marketing ploy that made the arts ‘cool’. It was a man who spent his days teaching children how to tune their instruments, “We tune because we care” he would say. He patiently applauded as we played “Mary had a Little Lamb” just a little less sharp than the previous twenty times. I suspect that every day in classrooms and homes all around the State, teachers, parents and friends open the door to innovation and creative potential by introducing the arts to school-age children.
Every one of us has the potential to make a difference, to make an impact in the lives of the Arizona’s youth. Even if you aren’t a teacher or an artist or a musician, you can still make a difference. Being an advocate for the arts isn’t about being a celebrity, all it takes is you talking to your community and elected officials about the importance of arts education in K-12 schools.
Contact your Elected Officials: Tell your school board, city, state and national elected officials that art education is critical to teaching children how to turn imagination into innovation that will create a strong future for our State and our country.
Attend Arts Advocacy Days: Arts Congress 2009 will take place in Phoenix on February 1, 2010. National Arts Advocacy Days, April 12th -13th.
Join a Local Arts Organization: Get involved and support programs that create a sustainable arts community.
Arizona Citizens for the Arts also offers trainings for community members, parents, educators and students about Arts Education, building community support for Arts Education and Advocacy in support of Arts Education. If you would like to attend a workshop or schedule one for a group, contact us at 602-253-6535 or ArtsEd@azcitizensforthearts.org
Inspiration, imagination, innovation – be a part of it.
