To the editor:

May 4-11 marks National Music Appreciation Week sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs. The theme is “Music is...unstoppable,” and how true that is.

Music surrounds us in our daily lives. It is in advertising jingles and the opening to our favorite shows and podcasts. Music plays in the background at work and while you catch up with friends at lunch, and it marks the beginning of every sporting event. We worship through music at church, attend concerts during the fair, and belt out karaoke tunes with varying levels of skill. Even the least musical of us sings “Happy Birthday” to loved ones.

Memories live in music. Can you remember the popular song from your first school dance or the first dance at your wedding? People of a certain generation remember the first time that they heard The Beatles, while others know every word to their favorite Taylor Swift song. How many of us can still sing along to our alma mater’s school song?

Music has been proven to enhance academic performance. It provides a creative outlet for students and raises their confidence levels. Music teaches discipline and perseverance, showing the more you practice, the better you become. For many, music is a lifeline, providing a much-needed sense of belonging. With music our students are unstoppable.

I urge you to support music education in our community. It’s as easy as attending a school concert - there are many to choose from! Supporting the youngest of our musicians is an important part of continuing music in education and ensures that more students will experience the joy of music. Engage with the students who participate in our local music programs - let them know that their participation brings joy to others.

By supporting music education, we support the future of our children and our community.

Jen Bragg
Huron