Taos Youth Music School Helps Save the Future by Shannon J. Dickey
Sometimes I worry about music. Yes, I know, there are a seemingly endless and downright spooky number of chicken little scenarios to worry over these days. For me though, it's music. My true love. I listen to music all the time, I sing through most of my days and, I support live music by attending shows like Kate Mann and The Muddy Mountain Orchestra who will be performing at KTAOS on December 2nd, a most excellent place to see a show, I must tell you in case you don't know yet.
I am also happy to report that music is alive and well for now. What about later? The future belongs to our children, and the majority of our children attend public schools. Which begs the question, how will continued school budget cuts, forced layoffs and fewer programs affect music? Pretty directly it seems to me. Music programs, along with Art and P.E. are the first heads on the old chopping block when the powers that be start to get busy with the cuts. Currently, Santa Fe officials are "mulling" over the idea of ditching all school band programs, and would have done so last year if it had not been for the public outcry. A resounding "Are you freaking kidding?" put a stop to that. Let's hear it for public outcry and let's hear it for putting your game face on and taking care of the business of the future. Take for instance some of the folks who help ease my worried mind at the Taos Youth Music School.
Started in 1999,Taos Youth Music School, a bonafide not for profit 501c3 organization, works their little picking fingers to the bone to help ensure area children have a chance to play music. The small staff and volunteer board, with the support of parents, students and local regional funders all come together to provide a musical education for area children in a culturally sensitive manner, regardless of socioeconomic status. The program is free, open to all and teaches by using the most powerful method I know of: they listen to the kids. Kids are smart and they know themselves creatively. They just need some soft, safe parameters to bump up against while they explore - like air hockey. The Taos Youth Music School understands all this and because they do I feel a little better. Come check out the Gospel Choir Performance on December 10th at St. James Church in Taos at 3:00 p.m. and stay for a spaghetti dinner where all donations are accepted and encouraged. Be sure to visit their website and follow The Garage Band around town this season! Don't forget there are many ways to support your favorite non profit, most, including Taos Youth Music School, are always looking for help with their websites, supplies (like instruments and strings) and fundraising ideas. Do what you can and remember support live music. The future is now.
Shannon J. Dickey