Smith choir an example of what's right in schools
I would like to tell Greensboro what is right in our school system. It is all too often that we hear about discipline problems, attendance woes, etc. in our schools.
On Feb. 28, my wife and I attended a dance/choir recital in Ben L. Smith's auditorium given by the Ben L. Smith Gospel Choir and dance classes. This choir and dance troupe provided a chance for the public to see an award-winning choir/dance recital that was beyond compare.
The choir was just back from its travels where it had just won two competitions in New York. Its singing, syncopation and obvious joy in performing were felt by everyone in the audience.
The singers had the audience up on its feet and participating for almost the entire show. My wife and I were truly moved by the range, power and musicality of the choir. The student director, Dominique Wharton, was a choir leader of ability far beyond his age. His enthusiastic and commanding performance were a true vision.
Many kudos to Dion Clark for fostering and developing such an excellent choir. Ms. Rasbury's dance class showed what can be accomplished in a short time.
We left the auditorium enthralled and entertained by this amazing group of young people.
Peter and Silvia Moser
Summerfield
Comments (1)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
The Smith Gospel Choir is a shining example of the importance of music and art to our kids. Unfortunately children now in elementary and middle schools may not have the same opportunities the students in the Smith Gospel Choir had. Cuts to instructional time in music and art in our middle schools and so many of our elementary schools will further erode opportunities in high schools. Studies show that most students who participate in music and art programs in high school had a background of strong music and art programs in elementary and middle school.
Now our schools are considering a 6 day rotation plan that could result in a loss of 6 music classes, 6 art classes and 6 PE classes per year in many of our elementary schools.
Since kids in strong music and art programs -- such as the kids in the Smith High School Gospel Choir -- make better grades and have fewer discipline problems, doesn't it make sense that we should be expanding, not shrinking, instruction in music and the arts?
Posted on March 13, 2008 10:21 AM