We greatly appreciate the support that Drs. Frank Alvarez and Terry Trigg-Scales, the Montclair Board of Education, and last year’s Board of School Estimate have given to music in our schools. The new teacher at the elementary school level is critical in expanding the opportunities for instrumental instruction and will have a positive impact at the middle and high school levels as well.

Music is an important part of our culture and, like visual art, a basic part of our educational tradition. Moreover, research shows that the study of music helps students improve in many academic subjects and increases graduation rates and test scores, teaches discipline and focus, and provides a sense of accomplishment. It also offers a way for children of all backgrounds, interests, and academic strengths and weaknesses to connect with each other. Many students who have innate musical talent would never discover it, if opportunities are not offered in the public schools.

F.A.M.E. is committed to supporting efforts to expand and promote musical opportunities and excellence in our public schools via:

• Bringing Montclair’s music curriculum in line with the standards that have been established and accepted both at the state and federal levels.
• Increasing ensemble opportunities for Montclair students at all levels of musical achievement in the schools, and offering increased opportunities for musical exposure and excellence.
• Encouraging and supporting student musical involvement beyond Montclair and through participation in regional and all-state ensembles, festivals, and competitions.

  As Montclair is a town that has long valued the arts, we look forward to continuing to work with the district and all members of the community toward these efforts.

Susan Abraham, Bonnie Cushing, Sandra Hoyer, Mara Novak, Susan and Thomas Parente, Jim Price, Gail Prusslin and Judith Rinearson