In my school district the music department takes part in the first day in-service activities. Chorus, Orchestra and Band students perform as part of the opening session for all teachers and administrators. Not only is it a good way for the teachers to see student performances, it shows our administrators the diversity of our program.

Just got some information from Rich Victor about "Pay to Play" in New Jersey and Ohio. It has been suggested in some districts in PA that students pay to participate in music groups and athletics. What are your views? Was your district one that entertained the idea of "Pay to Play"?

What do you think about the elementary school in Indiana that combined art and music into the same class and called it "Fine Arts" class? Do you see this coming to Pennsylvania? Is it already happening in a school near you? Let us know.

Patricia, We need to aggressively fight the situations you listed above. A "Pay to Play" policy is a horrible way of funding music education. Although, this is not the first time I have heard of it, I have not seen it locally. The "Fine Arts" concept is even more appalling. How do they staff that classroom? With an art teacher? With a music teacher? Neither is qualified to teach the other subject! I hope that idea never makes to PA.

How many schools out there are losing arts classes? I know at Brentwood our 7th graders lost art class two years ago. At Baldwin (and many other schools) students who take band, chorus or orchestra no longer are scheduled for general music classes at the middle school level. At the elementary level, Baldwin has music class twice a week now instead of three. How can we fight losing ground like this? I often feel powerless to change the mindset of administrators who make these desicions.