Fears music cuts at District 57 schools

My name is Robin Rose and I am writing this letter as a concerned parent of children who attend District 57 and District 214 in Mount Prospect.

District 57 is considering eliminating fine arts/music from their curriculum. I really don't understand how this can even be taken into consideration.

I am an alumni of both districts. My oldest is now in college, my middle child in Prospect High School and my youngest attends Fairview. My two older children have gone through the band and music programs at Fairview and Lincoln and on to the marching and concert/symphonic bands at Prospect High School.

Without the programs in District 57 my children would have never been interested in music — let alone go on to Prospect's band program. Being in these programs has taught my children responsibility and discipline, preparing them for the wonderful experience they had at Prospect.

I know for a fact that what they learned at Lincoln has helped make the Prospect band as successful as it is for incoming freshman. There is more that benefits children from being involved with music besides hearing notes played. Music and art helps develop the part of the brain that interacts with math and science.

Having a child that struggled in these areas, I strongly believe that her involvement in playing an instrument has helped her to now strive at Prospect as a freshman. Also, my oldest is now in college majoring in graphic design and music.

Like I stated earlier, this wouldn't have happened without their involvement in District 57.

I moved out of Mount Prospect, only to come back so my children would attend District 57. I firmly believe that the district should leave programs where they are that benefit out children and if money needs to be saved — look to other areas then their curriculum.

Robin Rose

Mount Prospect