SAVE THE MUSIC PROGRAM IN JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

To:  Jackson Public School Board of Directors

My name is Andrew J. Lewis. I am a Music Educator with a Master of Music Education degree currently teaching college music courses in Jackson, MS.

Over the years I have been afforded many opportunities in music, such as attending the Interlochen Arts Camp, performing at Carnegie hall and performing and teaching overseas to name a few.

These experiences helped to shape me into the man I am today.

My entrée into music was the string education program in the Jackson Public School System.

26 years ago I was a new 4th grade student at Isabel elementary under the leadership of the late Mr. Cleo McGee.

My music teacher was Mrs. Nadine Smith. My homeroom teacher was the late Mrs. M.B. Jones, also a musician.

Under this administration I was introduced to Mrs. Debra Gum, a member of the Mississippi Symphony. She introduced me to the violin, viola, cello and bass.

It was an experience that would change my life forever.

In 1984 my family relocated to Texas where I continued my musical studies. The string program in JPS prepared me for my Texas musical experience. I was able to attend and graduate in the top 10% from the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Had it not been for my JPS introduction to strings, I am not sure that I would have had the various opportunities I’ve already mentioned. My musical training has helped me achieve great academic success. Many of my music teachers have been great mentors and even father figures as I am the product of a single parent home. My music education has kept me out of trouble. It all started in the Jackson Public School System.

The recent decision of the JPS Board to cut the string program - in my professional opinion - is a major mistake and one that if not reconsidered will have far greater repercussions than we are able to see now.

PLEASE JOIN ME BY SIGNING THIS PETITION TO REQUEST THAT THE JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. REINSTATE THE STRING EDUCATION PROGRAM
2. DEVELOP FUNDING STRATEGIES TO SUSTAIN ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE FINE AND VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS IN JPS
3. COMPLY WITH THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT - WHICH DEFINES THE ARTS AS A CORE SUBJECT.

LINKS:

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08182009a.pdf

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08182009a.html

http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=15133&topVideoCatNoB=139455&topVideoCatNoC=139679&topVideoCatNoD=139779&topVideoCatNoE=145314&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4244761&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The SAVE THE MUSIC PROGRAM IN JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Petition to Jackson Public School Board of Directors was created by and written by Andrew J. Lewis (AJLmusic@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.