First Post: Who We Are and What We Want To Do

The future teachers of America are facing many problems as they struggle to enter their fields. One of the most disturbing to us is the disappearance of the art programs in schools. Most of this is not due to lack of interest or the lack of able teachers, but due to the budget cuts that all schools are facing nation-wide. This blog is going to describe the journey of three future teachers and what they're going to do to help save the arts in schools.

So, who are we and why are we doing this? 

We are currently enrolled in Nazareth College of Rochester, NY and we are taking a class called the History and Philosophy of Education. Our professor wants us to be active participants in the future of our field and create a project to change the schools and the people around us. We were put into groups based upon our interests and the three of us are very excited about what is going to happen in the next semester.

We are Joelle Lachance, Ellen Sadler, and Ebony Edwards, and all three of us will blog about our experiences at different times to let you, our readers, know about our progress in our project.

A little information about me personally: I am Joelle and I am a sophomore Music Education Major. I hope to teach Middle School choir upon graduation. I come from a small hamlet called Fly Creek, which is outside of Cooperstown, NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. I have been drawn to music and the arts at a young age and it pains me (Not just because my future profession depends upon it) that schools are cutting the arts as they have truly made me the person I am today. 

My other group members will tell you about themselves when they publish their first posts. 

Project Ideas:

Some of our current ideas include a possible benefit concert using Nazareth's glee club, Note to Self, and one of the a capella groups, Fermata Thin Air. This concert would occur in April. Another idea we have is going into schools and discussing with teachers, administrators, parents, and students the importance of having the arts in schools and in life in general. We may work with other existing groups, such as Schools Without Walls, and Art Peace to get involved in their activities that fund the arts. Our last idea is to have a CD, Tape, Video, Record, and Art Supply drive in which the donated items will be given to a school in need. Of course, in order to get started, we're going to have to make some connections with local schools and their administration. 

We don't know what's in store, but it should be quite an adventure!

Until next time, please remember: "Music, the greatest good that mortals know, And all of Heaven we have below" - Joseph Addison "Song for St. Cecilia's Day".

~ Joelle