To the editor:

From a graduating senior to District 191 School Board members:

The study of music is the study of mathematics, physics, biology, communications, psychology, etc. Basic theory introduces fractions and division. Tuning is a study of sound waves. Instrumental and vocal musicians learn about their bodies and the science of sound in class.

Music is an efficient educational tool in classes for both high-ability and underprivileged children. College Board 2000 statistics show that students with coursework or experience in music performance scored 55 points higher on SAT verbal and 38 points higher on SAT math. Those studying four or more years of music scored even higher, with a combined total of 113 more SAT points.

These statistics donít take into account the effect of music on personal relationships. Everyone knows that music is a form of expression and communication. Music is often a last resort for the troubled and hurting, feeling overlooked in our districtís crowded hallways.

We who already love and study music will always do so. Music has been around longer than math, science, english and social studies. Music is a part of being human. Regardless of what you decide for our district, musicians will still play and composers will still create. I am not writing to represent musicians.

I stand up for everyone else. I write for the students that were not exposed to the Mozart Sonata ñ the ones who didnít score higher. I write for the lowest percentage, the less aware, the speechless, those unable to concentrate, and those who walk the halls of our schools and our businesses feeling bottled-up and misunderstood. I write for the fifth-grader I mentor who is learning how to open her mind and her world through music, only to find herself without a band to play in. I write for members of our community who will not hear her play. A cut in school music programs does affect an entire community!

Music is the one truly universal language. Donít leave Burnsville speechless.

Lourey Middlecamp
Burnsville High School class of 2004

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