Why go to all this trouble?

If you've read my introductory post, I'm sure the suspense is killing you. What were the results from the survey? What other junk did you find in your kids' backpacks?

Before I get to that, I am pleased to announce: the blogosphere has just come alive with relevant posts!

• HorseSense or Nonsense?
• Stephen Shore writes about teaching music to kids with autism.
• This Is Your Brain On Music.
  
• This post from Just Above Sunset is a bit long, but it's really worth the read. If Michael Dana Gioia is "a tad naive" then I am in big trouble here!

So, why bother trying to start one from scratch?

If you're reading this, I expect the arguments presented in the links above are nothing new. You already know that music is good for the social, cultural, spiritual, emotional and intellectual health of your child. Nevertheless, there is one other very important reason for having a band class, that is often overlooked in "Music Makes You Smarter" articles: IT'S FUN!

Now I'm not suggesting that education must always be fun. On the contrary, I credit much of my own schooling for preparing me for the stupefying boredom of adulthood. :-) So, when an activity is as much fun as band, and when it is part of the mandated curriculum...well...why wouldn't you want a band program at your school?