Editor:
Re: Costs not music to parents' ears, Nov. 7
It is impossible for me to overstate how much I disagree with Robin Cook-Bondy's comments about the mandatory Grade 6/7 music program started this year.
I am a product of the band program from the Delta school system. After graduation I joined the Delta Music Makers and have been a member now for about 20 years. I am so grateful to my parents and all my excellent teachers along the way for my journey through the wonder of music.
Cook-Bondy is just wrong when she states that playing an instrument isn't as important as other school subjects. It has been proven that music is important for brain development. It is also helpful with arithmetic, discipline and creating a sense of belonging.
For me personally, it was a way to release all my tensions and anxieties that would build up during the school day. With added pressure on kids today, in my opinion, band is more important than ever.
Any opportunity for children to make music can only bring positive benefits and to deny them this opportunity would be a real shame.
I am a parent who is extremely happy band is back in the elementary school system.
M. Henry
