I am writing to protest the proposed cuts in the Aberdeen School District music program.

I am a professional musician. I have played thousands of concerts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Far East. I am proud to say my musical education started in the Aberdeen schools. I believe music is an essential part of a well-rounded education. I cannot imagine depriving a student the chance to take part in this vital program.

Playing an instrument or singing in a choir ignites imagination and is an outlet for creativity. It requires talent, instills confidence, patience, listening skills and self-esteem. NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants Foundation) asserts music education facilitates student academic achievement, advanced math scores, boosts reading, language arts and critical thinking.

It is important to be exposed to music at every level, elementary, junior high and high school. Whether they are teaching, playing or conducting, music teachers, Peterson, George, Johnson, Koski, Amarok, Barene and Patterson are hard working professionals. They set the standard for excellence and must be supported and reinstated.

Unlike any other subject, music builds character, discipline, dedication, leadership, responsibility and teamwork. All the skills that are common among good citizens and high achievers, all the qualities a community needs in its young people. It is no small feat to have a school orchestra/band/choir/elementary general music program and keep it going in this size community. Its importance cannot be overstated. Many of these students go on to join the 7th St. Kids, Grays Harbor College productions, Civic Choir or the Grays Harbor Symphony. These organizations enrich and enhance our quality of life on the harbor. They keep our society sophisticated and civilized.

We should be proud of our thriving arts scene. We should be proud of our schools, What’s a community without the arts and music-it’s ordinary. It’s not special.

In my opinion, the musical history of Aberdeen cannot be written without mention of a cultured society that included music in the schools.

To lose this program would diminish us.

Debra Akerlund

Aberdeen