Why are the Arts Important?

Research done at the University of California-Irvine indicates that young children taking music lessons have a greater ability to grasp concepts that are also essential to math and science. Coordination and concentration are also improved when, for instance, children take piano lessons and learn to play a different line of music with each hand. Mastering a song or technique allows children to feel a sense of accomplishment and a desire to move on to the next challenge. These feelings of pride can also improve their confidence in the classroom.

-Cindy Bond

  1. They are languages that all people speak --that cut across racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers and enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.
  2. They are symbol systems as important as letters and numbers.
  3. They integrate mind, body, and spirit.
  4. They provide opportunities for self-expression, bringing the inner world into the outer world of concrete reality.
  5. They offer the avenue to "flow states" and peak experiences.
  6. They create a seamless connection between motivation, instruction, assessment, and practical application-- leading to "deep understanding."
  7. They make it possible to experience processes from beginning to end.
  8. They develop both independence and collaboration.
  9. They provide immediate feedback and opportunities for reflection.
  10. They make it possible to use personal strengths in meaningful ways and to bridge into understanding sometimes difficult abstractions through these strengths.
  11. They merge the learning of process and content.
  12. They improve academic achievement-- enhancing test scores, attitudes, social skills, critical and creative thinking.
  13. They exercise and develop higher order thinking skills including analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and "problem-finding."
  14. They are essential components of any alternative assessment program.
  15. They provide the means for every student to learn.

by Dee Dickinson

Due to budget cuts since the passage of Proposition 13, the Newark Unified School District was unable to fund a K through 8 instrumental music program until 2006 when, in a demonstration of its commitment of its citizens, and as part of the joint Strategic Plan initiative between the NUSD and the City, the City of Newark contributed $300,000 to the District to continue the program for two years. The Foundation was established under the Strategic Plan to assist the school district in raising funds to continue the program after City funding was completed.

The Foundation contributed $60,000 last year to the Instrumental Music program for the children in Newark Unified School District. The school district was able to contribute to the program last year through one-time state categorical grants that end this academic year.

We need your help! It is essential that we keep our music program alive . . . one child at a time! You can help by committing to one of our Sponsorship Levels noted below.

Sponsorship Levels

  • $1000.00 funds 5 children for the entire academic year
  • $200.00 funds one child for the entire academic year
  • $ 100.00 funds one child for half the academic year
  • $ 50.00 funds one child for a quarter of the academic year

Music Program in Newark Unified School District

Currently, the district is able to offer the following music education:

  • Students - 640 Newark student participants
  • Elementary instruction - Each school site has an instrumental music program for children in grades 4 - 7.
  • Junior high instruction - Newark Junior High School has a music program as well as a marching band.
  • High school instruction - Newark Memorial High School has a music program as well as a marching band.

    • The annual cost of the music program is approximately $130,000 annually. This cost includes the equivalent of three professional music educators, musical instruments, sheet music, supplies, and marching band uniforms.

    PLEASE HELP US ANY WAY YOU CAN! Follow this LINK to our donation page and KEEP MUSIC ALIVE... ONE CHILD AT A TIME!