As the Voice of the Arts, The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley recognizes the importance of music in our lives and the culture of the community. We have been encouraging kids to learn, practice and love music for many years now. As a cooperating partner in the CVUSD Chorus, String, and Band Programs, we have been watching students continue to grow. Over 2,800 students benefit from these programs. Besides developing the basic skills needed to play an instrument or sing in a chorus, these kids are developing skills that will be taken into adulthood.
The real challenge comes when graduating from those organized class times along with rehearsal and performance schedules. How do we keep their interest in music alive? I urge families to encourage and support their performing children to pursue the skills and experiences of learning, improving and developing their musical talents. Advanced music education gives students skills to enjoy and participate in more advanced performances. Also, attending professional and community musical performances encourages them as they see what can be. We all need something to go after… a prize if you will. The allure of possibility can be enough to set trajectory of a students future of success.
The All-District Music Festival will begin in the Kavli Theater at the Civic Arts Plaza at the end of April and continuing into May. I am excited to see all of the encouragement and support the students get by this opportunity to play in such a great facility. My hat’s off to all the parents who manage to work through renting and purchasing expensive instruments, listening to their children practicing at home and encouraging them to continue when their friends want to play. Discipline is rewarding to those who push through. Keep an eye out on our website for exact dates for the Festival so you can be sure to support our student musicians.
Peace,
Rich Brimer
President and CEO
Arts Council of the Conejo Valley
Rich@ConejoArts.org
