EDITOR: In response to Lester Scott's letter in Friday's Tracy Press, it is unfortunate that his viewpoint is not only derogatory to those with whom he disagrees, but also that his viewpoint is based on erroneous assumptions and misconceptions. My own previous derogatory remarks were at least informed, albeit unwise.
Firstly, the editorial in question did not make that statement that music is "central to the development of the whole child," but rather quoted a knowledgeable expert.
Secondly, Big Brother uses my tax dollars, and thus I want a say in how those dollars are used. No – Big Brother is not expected to do everything, but certainly should listen to those doing the funding. Since I and nearly 500 other tax-paying residents of the Jefferson School District have petitioned to retain the elementary music program for our children, our voices should be heard over and above someone from Patterson or elsewhere.
Mr. Scott says to forget music, yet he did not do so for his own child – he paid to ensure that his child received music lessons. Why would he do this if it were not important? My guess is that Mr. Scott does not pay Mello-Roos taxes, and has thus forgotten that many in the Jefferson School District are in fact already paying for those lessons with these taxes.
Mr. Scott has apparently not read the research that clearly shows that music education in the early years does in fact enhance the ability to learn the 3R's. Also, what if some of the students do have goals to be musicians? Why shouldn't they be offered the same degree of education as those with goals to be mathematicians, engineers, teachers – or even business owners like Mr. Scott or myself?
Mr. Scott writes of tone-deaf individuals whose self-esteem is lowered by their presence in a music class. Should we not teach math to those who do not have a proclivity for mathematics to ensure their self-esteem is not harmed? Business ownership or employment does not encompass the entirety of one's existence. There are other aspects to our lives than just work. Education should embody preparation for as much of that existence as possible – not just focus on preparation for the work force.
As for the investment in someone to find funding for the elementary music program, like any investment, it involves risk. In the opinion of many, the risk to the students to not provide a complete education far outweighs the risk that would be entailed by this investment.
Incidentally, Mr. Scott's opinion may be read along with other viewpoints, as well as the facts, on the Web site found at www.musicforjefferson.org.
Dan Wells
musicforjefferson.org
Tracy