The Amazing Power of Music
Our usual view of academic success is limited to the "three R's"--reading, 'writing, 'rithmetic." But we would do well to think of adding music to that list.
This year, touring the United States, is a dynamic, highly skilled, youth orchestra from Venezuela. It was started many decades ago by Dr.José Antonio, an economist, trained musician, and social reformer who believed that poor, dreadfully poor, Venezuelan kids would find a path out of poverty via classical music. His view has proven to be totally on target.
His achievements and those of the children, have been extraordinary. Taking children from two years of age on, nearly 300,000 kids are in the range of programs in what is called "the system." There are 176 orchestras for children, 216 for young people, and 400 more ensembles, orchestras and choirs. Further, in 32 years, eight hundred thousand children have passed through the system .
Now other countries such as England, are adopting the model. Unfortunately, in the U.S., "art" programs are the first things to be cut when, as now, school budgets get tight.
If you want to read more about this inspiring program, you can do so via CBS's 60 Minutes http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/11/60minutes/main4009335_page2.shtml
