A DAY OF FINE ARTS ADVOCACY January 28, 2015 Page 1 Page 2 Iowa Alliance for Arts Education

Executive Board David Law, Chair Martha Kroese, Treasurer Maggie Parks, Secretary Donna Angell Gretta Berghammer Ken Esveld Mark Lehmann FINE ARTS Robin Walenta ADVOCACY Executive Director: Leon Kuehner

DAY Advisory Board Art Educators of Iowa: Andrew McCormick Belin-Blank Center, University of Iowa: Clar Baldus JANUARY 28, 2015 Iowa Arts Council: Matt Harris Iowa Association of School Boards: Paul Griffen Iowa Association of School Music Dealers: Dave Krogan Iowa Bandmasters Association: Jacquelyn Meunier Iowa Choral Directors Association: Jennifer Gaesser Iowa Communications Association: Sarah Schaefer Iowa Dance: Cindy Herndon Iowa Department of Education: Rosanne Malek Iowa High School Music Association: Alan Greiner Iowa High School Speech Association: Liz Hansen Iowa Music Educators Association: Kris Versteegt

Page 1 About the artwork: The artwork found throughout this document are pieces that have been created by Iowa elemen- tary, middle school and high school students.

About the testimonials: Testimonials are presented in their original unedited form.

Page 2 The following testimonials below have been gathered from citizens throughout Iowa. They answer the question: “How has fi ne arts (music, visual arts, drama, theatre, dance) education impacted your life?”

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December 4, 2013

Members of the Iowa Legislature,

As a clarinet player in high school in North Dakota, all-state band member, and participant in music and theater activities in both high school and college, the fine arts have always been part of my life and have impacted my life in a variety of ways. Creativity and innovative thinking result from involvement in the fine arts. Fine arts education has allowed me to be more aware of the world around me. I see students and faculty who are more well rounded because of their exposure to the arts. Fine arts exposes the learner in all of us to read better; write better; listen better; speak better; analyze better; and collaborate often and well.

I am not saying that the fine arts stand by themselves in the educational world...surely not, the sciences--both physical and social, education, human services, business, law medicine, etc....all play part in our successful futures. Often today we have been concentrating on STEM--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics... for our future success as individuals and economies. We should also talk often about STEAM... adding the “A’ for Arts in that conversation. I am fond of saying there have been, are, and will always be two big windows on the world for colleges and universities that bring people to our campuses and allow us to show off the rest of the campus along with that window. One of those Big Windows is clearly the Fine and Performing Arts. Sincerely, $

William N. Ruud, Ph.D. President

Page 7 Adair Adams Sue Selby City: Corning Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: Fine Arts education is valuable to students whose capabilities and strengths cover a broad spectrum of abilities and interests. The Arts can be an area where some students excel when academics or sports don’t meet their interests or capabilities. Of course, some students excel in all areas. As the parent of two boys with different interests, both who graduated from Corning Schools, I saw the infl uence fi ne arts made in their total educations, fi rst hand. One of my sons participated in sports and band, the other in art class, choir, show choir, and band; and not athletics. Performance, whether on a fi eld, in a gym, in a musical group, on a stage, or interacting with art materials in a classroom--the Arts-- teach so many skills that are needed in real life for employment, or for real life and used for a lifetime of personal enjoyment. Learning to work together as part of something bigger than yourself, learning to work alone and being able to share a completed project with others, learning discipline through practice and repetition, learning to follow direction for the good of the group from the director, teacher, or coach, all sorts of life long lessons that can come from the Arts. Relaxation, leisure, personal satisfaction, are also lessons that can enrich a life touched by music or art. Look at your community churches, do they have a volunteer choir? Is there a community theater production? Would these groups continue if no one taught the skills, or encouraged the need for fi ne arts in our educational system? Careers can be made through learning music and art skills. Science is showing that music therapy can even reach a life so stolen by diseases such as Altzheimers, who knows what will become available in the future as a career from incorporating the arts into our student’s educations now while they are in Iowa’s schools. We owe our students the opportunity to build a broad background of personal skills, strengths, and capabilities. I would encourage support for Fine Arts inclusion in the Core in Iowa’s schools, as well as recognizing the accomplishments made through Fine Art skills gained from Iowa Schools as being as important as the Academic Skills learned in other disciplines. I can also proudly report that both of my sons are Iowa State University college graduates and gainfully employed. All because of their beginnings with well rounded educations obtained in one of Iowa’s Schools!

Sandy Winter City: Corning Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: Learning how to draw during weekly church services helped me learn to sit still for an extended amount of time. ( I learned that going outside during the church service wasn’t the nature walk I had anticipated.) Music has been a big part of my life starting in kindergarten with music lessons continuing throughout my school years being a member of band and orchestra. I developed an appreciation and a fan of a variety of music. I believe that the Arts have been a big part of being able to work in the teaching profession for over 30 years! Tabatha Klopp City: Corning Occupation: Teacher (TAG) Testimonial: Fine Arts is the key to opening our soul. I once had an administrator tell me in regards to a gifted artist, well if they can’t read they won’t get far in life. Which has it’s merits agreed, I see reading as important but not the end all or sum of life. To a teacher that states “we don’t color in this grade”. Well why not? Maybe we might learn something about ourselves as humans and connect more with each

Page 8 other. I beg to state if we don’t teach to enhance the soul of a person, then what good is reading? What good is math? We take for granted all that the fi ne arts brings us from art, drama, music and so much more. What do you do when you go home at night? Watch tv or listen to music? Picture a gray world where we don’t color, where no one plays music because music teachers no longer exist, where there is no play in life? Where we focus on facts and facts only like computers. Thank the fi ne arts for inspiring those people to not give into logic and fi nd their passion to share with others

Beth Waddle City: Corning Occupation: Adams County Chamber Testimonial: In grades 7-12th, I was involved in vocal music, instrumental music, plays, drama, speech contest, debate, and art. These experiences enable me to be a more creative thinker which is an asset in my job as an economic development specialist. I am a better speaker because I gained experience and coaching at the high school level as I performed on stage, competed in speech contests and learned critical thinking in debate. This has assisted me in advancing in my career from an entry level position to a person who now sits on regional and state boards, visit comfortably with state and federal government elected offi cials and employees. Vocal and instrumental music taught me that the more work I put into something, the better my results. It taught me a good work ethic, how to schedule to get things accomplished, how to blend my gifts and talents with others to create success. It taught me to appreciate and look for enjoyment in a broad range of music styles which allows me to look for the good in others and appreciate both struggles and successes. Art allowed me a comfortable space to put my ideas into reality, realize that there are many ways to use the same materials, be inspired by others, utilize criticism to improve and share resources. Today I still am involved in the arts. It is a strong part of my life and my community. It makes me a better volunteer. I lead music at church. I am part of the community theater. I sit on the board of the Corning Center for the Fine Arts which has a gallery, studio, and artists in residency program. I volunteer at the Corning Opera House. I participate in Sip and Paint opportunities. I donate funds to support local and regional art groups. Most importantly, it feeds my soul, reminds me that there is a God who creates such wonder and beauty and gives us the talents to enjoy it, and connects me to others in the most beautiful way. Please make the Fine Arts part of the Iowa Core Curriculum! Allamakee Appanoose Sharon Burch City: Centerville Occupation: Music Educator Testimonial: “Music unlocks the full potential and purpose in every child.” Restoring this birthright drives my work. At the age of 10, I knew I wanted to be part of music education. I develop educational materials that make music concepts fun and easy for children to learn, bringing interactive music back into child’s play, at home and at school. During my 20+ years teaching pre-k through high school vocal and general music in southern Iowa, I launched my own company to produce and author the national best-selling Freddie the Frog Book series, interactive storybooks that teach basic concepts of music, including a kid-friendly introduction to jazz. The business grew into a relationship with Hal Leonard Publishing, the world’s largest music publisher, to handle distribution, and continue to write teaching resources, musicals, and jazz education for the classroom setting. Music and its benefi ts for children cannot be underestimated. Similar to discovering a need for intentional physical exercise in the age of sedentary work life, intentional music making in children’s lives is necessary in this current passive digital age. Music making unlocks a child’s full potential. Is it a coincidence that the vast majority of band students are also in the top 10% of their class? Worried about children hanging out in the “right crowd?” Music students are achievers, team players, and leaders. A nice peer group to foster.

Page 9 And what about those “21st Century Skills?” Every single one is inherent to music, especially jazz. It is impossible to participate in jazz without exercising creativity, complex communication, critical thinking, collaboration, fl exibility and adaptability, and productivity and accountability in every rehearsal. The mission is not about saving music education, it’s about saving our kids and our future leaders. Music is the key that unlocks the full potential in a child, exercising every part of the brain, creating happy and healthy citizens. The standard of every culture is refl ected in its art. What will happen to our culture if our children are not nurtured in the arts? I fear we will be left behind. It is time to embrace arts education, not for the arts, but for our future--our kids. Sharon is a National Board Certifi ed Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Music, a certifi ed teacher with the International Piano Teaching Foundation, and holds a master’s degree as a Professional Educator. She chairs the Jazz Education Network Education Committee, and serves as an elementary education consultant for Jazz At Lincoln Center.

Audubon Joyce Brokke City: Audubon Occupation: Ph.D student at University of Iowa Testimonial: Music education has been my passion since I was 5 years old. The many ways that it has positively nriched and successfully impacted my life as well as my daughter’s life and academic career is ountless. The inclusion of fi ne arts education in the Iowa core curriculum will pay dividends mmediately and in years to come to ensure closure of the academic achievement gap and the success of 21st century skills for all Iowa students.

Page 10 Jordan Anderson City: Audubon Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts has impacted my life for the better. I believe that every fi ne art is a way for people to xpress themselves in a way that they love. Choosing the fl ute to play was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am currently in my eighth year of band. I learn something new every day and that only makes me love it even more. I love being in band and the fi ne arts is defi nitely a good addition to high school.

Benton

Micayla Dawson City: Atkins Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have been in band for nine years, and it is now my life. I am currently attending UNI for nstrumental Music Education and there is nothing else I’d rather do. My fi ne arts classes sculpted me as a person. I was a music, art, and theatre kid, and through those experiences I made many friends and learned how to interact with others in a creative sense. With the arts, you can be who ever you want to be. Kristi Storey City: Vinton Occupation: Technology Specialist Testimonial: I played violin, fl ute, bass and piano in grade school and middle school. I played piano ccompaniment for the orchestra in middle school, as well as playing fi rst chair violin and fi rst chair bass. I was nvolved in choir my entire K-12 years and traveled to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall when I was a junior in high school. I have a love and appreciation of music, theatre and dance and a respect for the fi ne arts. Without them, the world would be boring.

Jennifer Dobel City: Urbana Occupation: Senior Human Resource Representative Testimonial: I participated in dance, theatre and both instrumental and vocal music through my years growing up and I feel they helped make me the well-rounded person that I am today. It was great to have that background and it gave me a huge appreciation for the teachers in those areas. My son is 16 months old and we are already trying to teach him songs and he has a drum set with lots of accessories. He also likes to dance so we have random dance parties in our living room. Deborah Bierschenk City: Newhall Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music and art have been apart of my life as long as I can remember. For my fi fth birthday, I received an art box full of craft supplies. I completely believe that my early exposure to art and music made me the top student that I am. I took 15 dual credits in high school, and took the highest math and science classes offered at my high school. The creativity and innovation crucial to art and music made me a

Page 11 better student, and today they make me a better member of the community. It has taught me not to accept anything lower than my best, and has opened so many incredible opportunities for me. Micayla Dawson City: Atkins Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have been in band for nine years, and it is now my life. I am currently attending UNI for nstrumental Music Education and there is nothing else I’d rather do. My fi ne arts classes sculpted me as a person. I was a music, art, and theatre kid, and through those experiences I made many friends and learned how to interact with others in a creative sense. With the arts, you can be who ever you want to be. Kierstin Blomberg City: Newhall Occupation: Student at ISU Testimonial: Fine arts has impacted my life in many different ways. Band is my main passion (mostly because can’t sing very well), but I love music and the arts all around. I, fi rst off, just enjoy playing my nstrument. Its something I love to do. Second, I have made so many friends and connections that will last me a life time through it. Also, I have a science-based major. Being able to step away from the math and physics and whatnot and go do something that is creative in one way but makes sense to a mathematical mind (meaning music itself) is something I very much enjoy. It is a stress reliever and almost a break in a way. I also have anxiety and stress issues. I need a daily facet to release my stress or my health overall deteriorates. Music is my facet and my passion. Heather Kalous City: Vinton IA Occupation: teacher Testimonial: As a high school student I was in band, choir, speech as well as an athlete. The fi ne arts gave me the performance confi dence that I needed in life for job interviews as well as going on to become a division I athlete. Fine arts, athletics and academics all link up too make you a great well rounded person!!!!! Susan Blind City: Vinton Occupation: homemaker Testimonial: I developed an appreciation for fi ne arts in elementary school, thanks to outstanding music and art teachers. (I attended school in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.) In high school, that interest was further cultivated with additional classes for more specifi c interests offered.

Black Hawk Toni Hoffmann City: Cedar Falls Occupation: UNI Student - Music Education Major Testimonial: “Music is the manifestation of the human spirit, similar to language. Its greatest practitioners have conveyed to mankind things not possible to say in any other language. If we do not want these things to remain dead treasures, we must do our utmost to make the greatest possible number of people understand their idiom.” This quote from Zoltán Kodály sums up the purpose of music education and the reasons it needs to be funded in our society. Music education is benefi cial to children because it

Page 12 aids in the positive development of both academic and social skills in a way that is unmatchable by any other medium. Music students out-perform non-music students on achievement tests because skills such as reading, anticipating, memory, listening, counting, and concentration are developed in musical practice and performance. These skills are valuable to students in math, reading, and science. A musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing and feeling, which trains the brain to become incredibly skilled at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once. Not only does music enhance academic skills in children, it is also incredibly benefi cial to advancing social skills such as teamwork and self-discipline. Music is a great example of teamwork because in order for a musical group of any size to sound good, all players must work together towards the goal of performing the music to the best of their abilities. Music is also a good example of self- discipline because you must put time and effort into learning the music, attending rehearsals, and practicing on your own time. These responsibilities are sure to transfer into all other aspects of a student’s life. Music is a form of art that provides children and adults of all ages alike with a means of self-expression. One of my favorite quotes is, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” by Victor Hugo. Music truly has the power to bring people together and to give meaning to the lives of so many people and allow them to become completely in touch with what they feel. I think everyone should receive music instruction at least throughout elementary school. It should not be mandatory for all students, but I do believe that some sort of general music elective should be offered in middle school and high school apart from band, orchestra, or choir to continue the musical development and appreciation of those students not interested in those large ensembles. Music education should absolutely not be only for those who can afford it. It should be offered to equally to all students and for those who come from a poor economic background, the teacher and school system should do everything in their power to ensure that they have the same opportunities as other students to be involved in music. Reading music should defi nitely be taught and encouraged in the curriculum, but it should not be the center around which the entire music education curriculum is based off of. Reading music is important, but pleasure and aesthetic experiences through music can occur in the absence of the ability to read music, which is most important. Musical talent should also not have any presence in deciding who can and cannot participate in music. Music intoxicates me with peacefulness, power, and contentment. That’s why I love it and that’s why I want to teach it. I want my students to feel the emotions involved in musical performance. I want them to have aesthetic experiences that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately I feel like society doesn’t teach that any more. Some music programs are becoming less about making students happy and more about competition - the hardware, the rankings, the status. I was blessed to have come from a different situation where competition was never a factor. We were taught, or rather, had the opportunity to put our hearts into the music and to play and feel for ourselves, not the judges. This will undoubtedly be the approach I will take into my band program when I become a director. My philosophy of music education is all about making a difference, big or small, in the lives of each and every one of my students and impacting the lives of young musicians as my music educators have impacted mine. “Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.” - Ronald Regan Nathaniel Welshons City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have had the single largest impact on my life to this point. My music teachers are some of my biggest role models, and have shaped me to become the person I am today. My musical and theatrical peers have become my brothers and sisters, supporting and encouraging me to become the best man and artist possible. Through my involvement in the fi ne arts from elementary school to college, I have learned and developed skills such as teamwork, responsibility, communication, dedication, honesty, leadership, and many others, in a much faster and deeper way then if I had not been involved in such. I have also learned so much about myself that I would not have known had I not been involved in fi ne arts programs. I have learned about my spiritual self through inclusion in groups where the goal is to be larger than the sum of the parts, and the only way to achieve that is to transcend your own ego. I have learned about my emotional self through the constant creation and

Page 13 use of raw feeling in musical expression. And I have learned about my physical self in the constant desire to become better than I was yesterday, and the drive to push myself as far as I can go. I have experienced all of this growth through the fi ne arts programs I’ve been involved in. There is truth, without a doubt, that I would be a completely different person without the opportunities I have been given to be active in the arts. John Vallentine City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Director, UNI School of Music Testimonial: In my career as a music educator and administrator, I have been fortunate to teach and interact with thousands of high school and college musicians over many decades. These students have always been the best and brightest and continue to amaze me with their talent, intellect and strong work ethic. As we celebrate the fi ne arts, let’s remember that the quality of our lives is impacted on a daily basis through music. The education of our youth in music will continue to play a signifi cant role in society and the quality of each of our lives will be enhanced.

Tia Heien City: Cedar Falls Occupation: College Student Testimonial: I am 19 years old and have been actively involved in music for almost nine of those years. When I fi rst picked up the clarinet at the age of 10 I had no idea music would become a huge part of who I am. I have gotten to meet so many fantastic people in the state of Iowa because of all the amazing experiences and opportunities I have had playing with numerous ensembles. I am currently studying to become a music educator myself and I hope to one day be teaching somewhere in the state of Iowa. I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in Iowa, but I soon realized that I didn’t want to leave all the people I have met and possibly not ever hear about them again. Hearing words of encouragement from my educators are what really made me so passionate about what playing music. They taught me not give up when I was struggling or frustrated. I played sports in high school as well, but there was always something missing when I was in the sports environment. I always felt happier and safer being in a music environment versus a sports environment. I have always felt that people involved in music are more mature and well-rounded than the sports jocks. However, that was not always the case, but it appeared to be a popular theme. It would be a better world if everyone could be mature and well- rounded. For me, the people I have met through being involved in music have impacted my life by making me want to be a better person and help others. Gretta Berghammer City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Professor of Theatre Testimonial: I fi rst encountered the fi ne arts at the age of six when I was cast in a school play. I was enthralled, entranced, captivated by the magic of it, the wonder of it, the fun of it, the “drama” of it. Needless to say it became a part of me and my life, and now I share that passion for drama and theatre and education and artistic developments with hundreds of K-16 learners every year. Allison Bollinger City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Student/Education Testimonial: I grew up in a home that has supported the arts long before I was born. My father is an Executive and Artistic Director of a performing arts center and my mother is a choreographer. Being surrounded by the arts gave me such joy and was a wonderful outlet for me to express my creativity. I have continued

Page 14 to involve myself in the arts throughout my education and now as a growing adult who is about to graduate and enter the real world. I have found that as a teacher of the arts, students from all walks of life fi nd joy, happiness, and learn new things about themselves by having the arts as a creative outlet. Whether a student longs to be an actor, a professional athlete, a chef, and so on; being exposed to the arts is a vital resource for children to grow as human beings. Even if a student never plans to be a singer, actor, dancer, or someone involved in a career in the arts, artistic endeavors give each student wonderful self-confi dence that will help them in their personal careers in the future. Losing the arts in educational settings would be a great loss and I hope to see the arts remain in schools for all children to experience. Larry K Fox City: Cedar Falls, Iowa Occupation: Financial Advisor Testimonial: I believe I have a different appreciation and acceptance of different perspectives, different cultures, different people from myself. The fi ne arts gives me some great inspiration. It is a pleasant diversion from my life so it is a stimulant and a joy to appreciate away from my daily life. I have found that as I enjoy it more, I want to fi nd ways that I can be more engaged in fi nding ways for others in our community to enjoy the same opportunities by fi nancial commitments and with my business sponsoring some of the events in our community.

Ed Maslak City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Sales Testimonial: The fi ne arts has had a profound impact on the life of my daughter Kendall. She has epilepsy and her seizures are not controlled. Because of this Kendall is not able to participate in sports and she also has cognitive delays. She has participated in drama/theatre as well as music programs and we have seen her confi dence and self esteem grow. It has allowed her an additional opportunity for independence and social inclusion with other children. These programs have also helped her with memory and speech. It would be of great benefi t to my 13 year old daughter if fi ne arts were expanded further. Martha Kroese City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Retired music educator Testimonial: I was lucky to receive a great arts education in Iowa schools. The fi ne arts are so important for ALL students as part of a well-rounded education. I was fortunate to have a high school guidance counselor who recognized my talent and interest in music, and helped me schedule the classes I needed to become a music educator. As a National Merit Scholar, there were other teachers who pushed me towards a career in science or law, but I know the arts were what really made me come alive. Our world has become much smaller in the sense that’s it’s so much easier to travel and communicate with others around the globe. The arts provide a vehicle to learn about other times and other places, and help us communicate the ideas that really matter. I think if our world is to become a better place for all who share it, that compassion and understanding and listening to each other will become even more important. I think the arts are the best place to teach those skills and habits. We can’t afford to let the arts become available only to those who can afford them, or whose parents have an interest. We need ALL our students to become whole, caring and respectful individuals, no matter what their career or role in society.

Page 15 Joel Haack City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Mathematics Professor Testimonial: My experiences in the Davenport public schools with music and art were instrumental in developing the creativity that is so critical in mathematics and the other STEM disciplines. But even more important than that is the meaning it has brought to my life and the understanding of other people and cultures that has enriched everything I do.

Brent Mead City: Cedar Falls Occupation: UNI Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have changed my life. Through music courses and extracurricular music activities, I’ve developed social, professional and personal skills that have and will continue to help me in all areas of my life. In social situations, I’ve learned how to collaborate with people who I don’t get along with and who are different than me because I’ve had to collaborate with other musicians frequently. Not only has music given me the opportunity to learn how to collaborate, but it has helped me express my emotions in a healthy manner. Music allows a person to express their feelings through the medium of an instrument, voice, or composition. Developing the ability to harness one’s emotions and effectively transfer them through music can help develop emotional stability and control. Even though these skills have been manifested in a music classroom, they have translated to my professional demeanor. Music has positively infl uenced me through different mediums that it is diffi cult to identify which personal characteristics and social skills music hasn’t developed. There are so many factual, logical, and scientifi c reasons why music has infl uenced my life; however, the most important reason why I love music is because it empowers me to express myself. Growing up, I struggled to fi nd my voice. I took speech therapy lessons and avoided social situations where I was the center of attention. I found my love for music and these struggles went away. I fi nally found a way to express myself effectively. Not only did this help get rid of my social struggles but it gave me a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging is incredibly powerful. As a musician, you are instantly connected to the ensemble in which you perform. Not only does music create this connection in an ensemble, but between musicians of all trades as well. Music has changed my life and I wouldn’t want to imagine my life without it. I’m going to teach music because music has helped me become the person I am today and I want to share this love and passion for music with my future students.

Tyann Rouw City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Writer/Mother Testimonial: My sons are in 8th grade and 4th grade in Cedar Falls Schools. My son Noah, who has autism, has blossomed by being involved in vocal music, instrumental music, and theatre. These activities have allowed him to be part of a group, gain social skills, and learn about working with others. He has been involved in Opus Honor Choir (three years), an honor band, and has performed solos, etc. The self-confi dence he has gained is incredible. He has even chosen to be at school at 6:45 a.m. several mornings/week for jazz band practice. My son Henry has been involved in theatre, through Spectrum Theatre and Sturgis Youth Theatre at UNI. He absolutely loved it, and it has brought him out of his shell. He plans to play an instrument next year in 5th grade. He loves to sing also, and as a student who does not excel in sports, this is a wonderful way to teach teamwork, skill building, and synergy. Henry also draws and has enjoyed his art classes at the elementary school. He is hoping for more art experiences as he grows older. I was involved in the arts during high school and college. I can’t imagine my high school experience without marching band, concert band, pep band, and theatre. It was a place for me to shine. I made some of my best friends in those groups. I am a huge advocate for arts education. Let’s do all we can to keep the arts in our schools!

Page 16 Robert Abbott City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Engineer Testimonial: Music is an integral part of my life since childhood but I am not a professional nor music educator. More importantly it has also been an integral part of my children’s lives who are now 21 and 25. I played in school bands in elementary, junior high, and high school. I was not involved in music in any organized way in college, but then picked up again playing as an adult when I came from California to Iowa. I am indebted to an amateur band leader who took me on and I have been playing ever since. I look to listening and playing music as my connection to humanity. I work as an engineer for a large corporation and there is nothing that comes close in my work to the satisfaction, the connections made with other people as equals, and understanding of the human condition that involvement with music provides. Moreover, my children have been involved with music from a very young age to which I credit for much their personal growth. I strongly think that the discipline of learning an instrument and the cognitive brain development (wiring as it were) provides a structure for other areas of educational development. In addition, both of my children learned leadership and teamwork skills through participation in band, orchestra, and choir. I am so thankful that our schools provided this opportunity. They both continue their involvement playing music for which I am very proud.

Dr. Dwight C. Watson City: Waterloo Occupation: Dean, UNI-COE Testimonial: There are copious research studies that indicate that those who participate in the arts are more motivated, engaged, and academically productive. I also value the socialization of the arts. The arts enable people to become expressive in conversation and interaction. As an avid theatre, music, and dance supporter, there is nothing more engaging then the conversation after a performance. Young people need the arts as a creative outlet; therefore, I am highly supportive of the arts becoming a part of the Iowa Core. Michele City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Offi ce Manager Testimonial: Our son, Jonathan, has been given such a gift of participation and expression of himself through the work at UNI in theatre and drama and music. It has provided a multi-sensory learning atmosphere for Jonathan who can be limited in the traditional classroom setting. Jonathan is able to watch, learn, participate, be himself and have full acceptance through the methods of drama and music. He wouldn’t have this opportunity if we had to pay extra for classes. As parents, we see this as a very valuable tool in Jonathan’s education. Boone Jennie Van Voorhis City: Boone Occupation: Offi ce Assistant Testimonial: Music is something that will stay with you all your life. I took vocal and band in junior high, and high school, and have continued with my vocal in my adult life. I sing in a Sweet Adeline chorus, and a quartet. I also sing solo’s in my church, and also sing in the church choir. I’ve passed my love of music onto our son, who plays in the band starting in 5th grade, and will continue through high school and hopefully onto his college years. Fine Arts are such a confi dence builder for our children.

Page 17 Bremer Skyler Gonzalez City: Waverly Occupation: Student Testimonial: My mother always used to tell me that science and math related subject matter was a pursuit of improvement of our lives, and that fi ne arts was a celebration of our lives. I believe that this is a perfect union; one cannot exist without the other being there. Science is necessary for the advancement of our society as a whole, and arts and culture exist for our appreciation of these advancements, and can even serve as an institution to improve our own creativity and ability to solve new challenges. I have participated in my public school’s music program for about 8 years, and during that time, it has helped me manage my time, approach problems in new ways, and how to multitask effi ciently. I believe that an education without art and music is a dull one. Please consider this in your debate of Iowa’s Core Curriculums. Derek Raatz City: Waverly Occupation: Student Testimonial: When I held a violin for the fi rst time, I was overwhelmed with curiosity. It was nothing like a piano which I had been used to. As lessons began, I felt a strong urge to learn how to make music with this different instrument, and over the years I became very adept at expressing myself through playing music on the violin. I attended honors orchestras across the state, I made lots of friends, and I became known to my friends and family as a talented musician. As a violin section leader, I gained leadership skills and learned how to work and cooperate with my peers to achieve a goal. Music has given me a strong boost in confi dence, which is something that I tend to lack, and has gifted me with creativity and inspiration to build and design as a current engineering student. Music has shaped me, and I would not be where I am today if not for my school’s programs and teachers.

Buchanan KATHLEEN BARLOON City: INDEPENDENCE Occupation: self employed Testimonial: Well, for starters, I grew up in a dysfunctional family. The fi ne arts gave me a way out of the house and out of town as I got older. It basically saved the lives of my siblings and myself. Period. I have made “support the fi ne arts where I live” one of my top three life’s goals. It’s just that important. Secondly, the fi ne arts need to be included in the core curriculum of Iowa because they are essential, not tangent to good education. As described at www.ed.ted.com, recent science has shown that making music fi res the brain more extensively than any other activity studied. It stimulates the visual, auditory, and motor cortices, simultaneously works both hemispheres and jump starts the mathematical area on the left while working the novel/creative side on the right. That means the brain needs to come up with diverse ways to bridge the right and left hemisphere resulting in better problem solving skills for academic and social challenges. It enhances memory function which in turn creates better life long learners. It isn’t just that smart kids are in music. Music makes smart kids. It has been shown that learning a musical instrument is different from learning all other arts or sports. It also enhances spacial relations skills which are basic to learning math and science. Iowa CAN NOT go without the arts. WE WANT TO THRIVE. You can make that happen. Thanks for helping all students from all socio-economic levels. It’s just that important.

Page 18 John Thedens City: Walker, IA Occupation: Engineer Testimonial: As the father of two sons who have participated in the band and vocal music program throughout their years in the Independence Community School District, I witnessed the infl uence these areas of study had on their overall education. I believe that their fi ne arts education was an important means of applying mathematical concepts to create something seemingly unrelated: music. Their interest in both music and mathematics grew, one complementing the other. I have seen this same result in many of their peers. The study of fi ne arts has strengthened many other life skills: organization, team building, time management, leadership, self-confi dence and general love and quest for knowledge. It has been an essential part of their education and is worthy of being included as a core curriculum element. Both young men are likely headed for science-based careers. One is now attending Iowa State University and studying engineering while continuing to play music. The other is still in high school with similar science interests and music study. They are better prepared for their future because of the inclusion of fi ne arts in their education.

Dylan Crawford City: Winthrop Occupation: Freshman Testimonial: Fine Arts (Choir and Band) has been very fun. We do a lot of fun music and the teachers are very nice. It is a good opportunity to get to know some of your classmates better. I think that more students should try it and see if they don’t like it. If they don’t, then they are missing out. -Dylan Crawford

Page 19 Jessica Yoder City: Winthrop Occupation: Student Testimonial: Where I am not great at other activities such as sports sports, the fi ne arts (drama, theatre, dance, music) has allowed me to prove that I do have talent worth sharing. It is something that allows me to improve and practice on my own time, and the reward of a good performance is just like that of players on a winning team - tremendous.

Erin Jarrett City: Masonville Occupation: none Testimonial: It has helped me make friends and help me learn to appreciate school. This program has made school more enjoyable and it puts students in better moods to have a better attitude towards an education. Scott Bullerman City: Quasqueton Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music has impacted my life in so many different ways that I can’t even begin to count them. To start out with, I gained so many new friends from other ways I would have never found. Everyday during class I have a lot of fun learning the new music, Some in Spanish, Russian, African, English, Latin, and Swahili even. Choir means so much to my everyday life, not only because It teaches me, it is because about 80% of my friends are in Choir. Since this is my senior year in our choir, I have made so many different memories from concerts that went really well to a funny moment in rehearsal. So many memories were made and my choir director makes learning the music fun and he makes it relevant, its not just singing note after note, he gives us the meaning behind the song so we know what we are singing about. My choir director is the main reason I stay in choir, I enjoy singing these songs. When most people tell me they don’t want to sing spirituals all the time, I tell them that we don’t always do spirituals, we just tend to do the best on those songs. I tell them some of the other songs we sing and they still don’t join. When a new person joins the choir, they join our family. I consider almost every single person in my choir to be my sort of family. Especially my fellow seniors, there have been only 5 that have stuck through all 4 years, and we have added 2 more. We all express how much we enjoy choir everyday. Sure, we may not always work on our favorite songs, but when we do, and we sing that powerful chord. All of the hard work pays off just to hear it. As a 1A school, we have about 35 people in our choir. Every year we have sort of a “Choir Retreat” where we all just hang out and get to know each other even better and play a few games and just have fun and be together. Some of my most fond memories are just from Choir. I also am apart of drama, I have had a role every year in our schools play/musical. My freshman year we did “Little Shop of Horrors”, I was a bum, and I also was Patrick Martin, and I also puppeted Audrey 2 in its third form. As a freshman I had no idea what I was doing, so I tried to be smaller roles so I could watch the upperclassmen and learn from them. Little Shop of Horrors was so much fun to learn and be a part of. After the shows I wanted all of it back. Sophmore year I hadn’t gotten a role, so I helped as a stage manager when one day I got a call from the director who also happens to be my choir director. I was on my way from a speech contest to the state robotics meet. I was in the front seat of my parents car when I answered my phone, “Hello?” “Hey Scott, It’s Mr. Chesher, how are you today?” “Good, what’s up?” “Well I need a person to fi ll in a role and I think it is going to be you.” “What role?” “Charlie, Vincent isn’t able to do it anymore.” “Yeah, I would do it.” I had just accepted the role of Charlie in Charlie’s Aunt. This was about halfway between when they started rehearsal and when the fi rst performance was. I had to learn the Second most important guys role in 3 weeks. I ended up learning my role just in time and the play was a success and nobody knew that I had half as much time as anyone else. The point in this story is too show how much Trust and Leadership I have gained from Drama, and Choir to name a few. I don’t know

Page 20 why Arts Education isn’t at the fore front of current issues. But it needs to be, Fine Arts have molded me into the person I am today and The more effort we put into that, the more people we can have that think outside the box, that have done different things. I love the Fine Arts and I just want more people to learn about it and why it needs to be in our schools.

Anna Collison City: Rowley Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts education has made me the person I am today. I have a greater appreciation of music, and art because of my involvement in fi ne arts. I think that being educated in fi ne arts is important because you can fi nd new ways of expressing yourself. I think that fi ne arts education has made me a more creative person with unique ideas and perspectives. Fine arts education also helps me relax. When I am singing, painting, or playing an instrument I feel calm and without anxiety. I also think that fi ne arts programs promote social connections. I have made a lot of friends through fi ne arts programs because we play together or we just bond over our love of music and art.

Georgia Gray City: Independence Occupation: retired teacher Testimonial: It was in 1995 that a small group of people in Independence who are interested in encouraging all students and the residents of Independence to be active in Arts programs by bringing in artists from different media to expand our knowledge and our appreciation of what talented people in Iowa are achieving. The name of the group is L.A.C.E.S (Local Arts Comprehensive Educational Strategies.) This committee has kept very active ever since. Gov. Branstad visited one of our meetings in 1999 because he was interested in our goals to help promote the Arts. Carter Boggess City: Winthrop Occupation: Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Choir, Jazz Band Testimonial: Ever since Elementary school Ive been loving music. Music has always been my passion, I love to sing, Play the drums and Play the trumpet on my free time. Ive always tried to push myself to be a better player or a better singer. Music changed my life because i used to be a really shy and nonsocial person. Then once i started to play and sing in different choirs or bands I’ve come out of my shell and met a lot of new friends. So now i can say that music has changed my life. Kathy Kitner City: Independence Occupation: refuted Testimonial: Our daughter went on to become an Art teacher and loving it for 7years. Her current job requires creative thinking in order to prepare for the adult IT training she provides. Carla Reynolds City: Independence Occupation: homemaker Testimonial: Both of my children have been a part of the fi ne arts community in their schools in Independence, IA. My daughter now stands in front of her own classroom everyday to teach. She gained poise and confi dence due to years of vocal music, speech, musicals and instrumental instruction. My son, has a diagnosis of autism, found a voice and a direction due to the wonderful arts programs. He learned

Page 21 that he could sing, and act and memorize and perform music. He states that he feels “alive” while performing. He received a vocal and performance scholarship and is currently a freshman in college. Both of my children had fi ne arts scholarships and would not be in careers on majors without the fi ne arts in the schools. I believe my son would not have chosen to stay in in High School without the support and outlet of the band, choir, speech programs.

Buena Vista Ariel Turnquist City: Alta Occupation: Morningside College student Testimonial: Music has given me what most other school subjects could not. Music has given me strong relationships, a way to express myself, confi dence, appreciation for other cultures, and a way to give back to the community. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have built many relationships through music. When I was little, I could pick out my grandpa’s voice when the congregation sang hymns in church, and I wanted to be able to sing as well as he does. Now my grandpa has Alzheimer’s, but he remembers how to sing, read the music, and can have discussions about his musical background. Our shared love for music has strengthened my relationship with my grandpa and keeps bringing him back to me. Music also is a great way of expression. Expression is one of the things that no other subject can give a student. I love the saying “Music expresses feelings that words cannot”, because it is completely true. Music can express many different feelings even that of nothingness, and it is very powerful. A sense of self-expression generally keeps music lovers coming back and becoming life-long learners of music, and every student should be allowed the opportunity to express themselves. Music has given me confi dence. I did not gain confi dence by sitting in a classroom learning about math or reading; however, in music class, I was given multiple opportunities to sing in front of the class as an individual or group. At concerts, I gained confi dence standing in front of an audience and participating in ensembles. Being in the school musical really helped me blossom has a public speaker, and I have learned to love giving speeches because of my love for performing gained through music performance. Every student deserves the chance to gain confi dence through music. Music has given me an appreciation for other cultures around the world. Singing and playing different types of music has given me a number of multi-cultural lessons from around the globe. I think this is a very valuable part of music and for children to get to experience. Music has helped me develop relationships with different communities. Through concerts, recitals, etc. I have gotten the opportunity to share my talents with the community. Many members of the community attend events to see students participate in music ensembles and experience the sheer joy of music. I think that the community’s appreciation for music is very important and without music education, many community members could be disappointed. Music is the one of the only classes where a student can develop all of these things. It is very important that music continues to be a part of a student’s everyday life in school. If we take it away, what is going to happen to those students who need a way to express themselves, need more confi dence, or would like the opportunity to perform for the community? It certainly is going to be very hard to do that from behind a desk in the general classroom. This is why music education is important and a necessity for student’s achievements. Lynn Hardt City: Storm Lake Occupation: stay at home mom, volunteer Testimonial: When I was a student playing the oboe and piano in school I don’t think I envisioned the impact music would have in my life. I was fortunate to have the all state experience and participated in many musical activities throughout school and university. However, I think music has had an even greater impact in my adult life. Music is an important part of my leisure time, and has provided a way to interact with many people throughout various communities. As a parent, one of my greatest joys is

Page 22 sharing music (and other fi ne arts) with our daughter. We have an important common bond through music. As a former educator, I think it is vital that the fi ne arts curriculum demonstrate to students that adults --even adults they know!--continue to participate in the fi ne arts long after their school days are over. This is something that many other school activities cannot replicate.

Butler Mary C. Derdzinksi City: Greene Occupation: Clerical Testimonial: How can it not impact are lives? The youngest of my 4 daughters is a junior in high school. All 4 were in choir and band. They had the wonderful experiences of honor events as well as solo/ensemble. They were in musicals and plays. Each experience saw them grow. They learned how to work for the performance as a whole. They learned how to take direction and even give suggestion. Theirs (our) lives are richer for the exposure to the caliber of music common to these events.

Calhoun Lana Hucka City: Lake City Occupation: teacher Testimonial: How has fi ne arts education impacted my life? Starting as a young child it infl uenced my love for singing. Because of my early instruction, I was blessed to sing in a group that toured area churches, and I also sang in numerous weddings. Instrumentally, I was taught to play the violin. I made all-city orchestra my 6th grade year and taught myself to play guitar, which I have enjoyed playing for almost 50 years. Because of the impact of music on my life, it spilled over into my children’s life. My oldest daughter took dance and tumbling for 12 years winning numerous regional and national titles. My son played saxophone in the band, and my youngest daughter played trumpet. She was part of the elite jazz band which won numerous state titles. I look fondly back on my Fine Arts instructors because Fine Arts does more than teach you to sing, paint, act, or dance. Fine Arts instructs you in speaking, having good stature, self confi dence,performing and an inner reward of self-satisfaction of a job well done. If Iowa is to have a top-notch education program nationally, as well as throughout the world, Fine Arts must continue to be a part of it. Educationally yours, Lana Hucka

Lee Henely, Son Perry & City: Lake City Occupation: Lee works at Bank of America Testimonial: Our son, Lee, age 24, was involved with music beginning in his pre-school years, at the Young Musician’s Workshop with Judy Panning. It has continued throughout his life. Although Lee majored in Economics at the University of IA, and has spent 2 years furthering his education overseas, he always has a guitar by his side. We are sharing a paper that Lee wrote his Senior year of high school, and the message is clear; music is a form of communication, a bridge between cultures, and has provided numerous opportunities to establish lifelong friendships throughout the world for Lee. There are 6.6 billion unique stories to share in our world, and each story I have had the opportunity to hear, encourages me to keep listening. I was eager to further my knowledge of the world through other’s stories, as our church minivan pulled up to the Youthworks center for underprivileged kids on the south side of Chicago. As we passed through the metal detector, I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room, starring at me as if I had walked into the wrong place. I could tell by their pointed glances that the kids my age were not excited about having another church mission group help them make

Page 23 fi nger paintings. My church friends darted right into the ‘tater tot’ room where the smiling toddlers were. Instead, I was drawn to the group of approachable 7-12 year-old children were, with a desire to learn about the world through the voices of young children from the south side of Chicago. Maybe this opportunity would help me construct a bridge with the kids my own age. As I walked in the second day, I was taken by surprise when I heard my name called from across the room by a smiling 8 year-old named Gabriella. Even more surprising was a portrait given to me by Raven. They provided me brief insights into their diffi cult home lives, and yet they expressed love and admiration for their family and peers. They had something that naturally brought, and kept them together. i was seeking something to bring teenagers of entirely different world together through a common crossing. The third day came and I still hadn’t said any more to the older kids than a failed, ‘hello’ or ‘how’s it going?’ As the children put up their paintings to dry, I approached the ancient remains of a piano and thumped out a few notes. While it wasn’t in tune, the chords were recognizable. Not being able to resist an opportunity to tap out a quick melody on the hull of the aging ship of boards and ivory, I softly played a popular tune. Within seconds, two teenage boys were beside me, intently observing the movements of my fi ngers. “Would you like to learn?” I asked. They nodded, and I began. Their frustration was clear, but we took it slowly; one note at a time. Yet, there was silence; the voice of the music became our common language. In the next few days, I conversed with Tyrell and Jihad, and met Will, James, and Michael. Our remaining days together were spent at the park shooting baskets, playing neighborhood football, and sharing our piano music; without speaking. During our times together, we discussed the upcoming Presidential election and the Chicago football team, ‘da Bears.’ I shared my experiences with my church friends who assisted daily with the toddlers in the ‘tater tot’ room. On our last day my church friends made the trip to the park with my new friends and I; as if we were all classmates spending a Saturday at the park. We posed for pictures as we prepared to leave Youthworks the fi nal day. In the glossy photos you can see a group of smiling faces, new friends, and experiences that help shape our character throughout our lives. The Youthworks center had been silent on the fi rst day that I entered. As I left that fi nal day, there were high-fi ves and long looks, as if, implanting those faces in our minds forever. Walking out the door and onto the street, I could hear the old hull of the aging ship of ivory and boards, as “Lean on Me” was played. Music-the bridge that crosses every language and cultural barrier. Nicole McChesney City: Rockwell City Occupation: school administrator Testimonial: Fine arts education impacted my life as a student, adult, parent, and professional. Music and drama were important aspects of my own K-12 experience, providing opportunities for me to be creative and to excel in areas of strength. The competencies I acquired, especially in K-12 music education, have become a source of enjoyment as an adult as I still make music and attend performances. Fine arts education have provided many opportunities for my children, and I’ve watched each of them develop talents, confi dence, and pleasurable hobbies as an outgrowth of their experiences with music, art, drama, and dance education. Finally, as an elementary principal, I’ve seen fi rst hand how the arts provide a vital way for students to connect with school and with each other. Plus, the research is clear about the cognitive and social benefi ts of students being involved in fi ne arts education.

Carroll Eric bruellman City: Coon rapids Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts has impacted my life in a few ways. One of which is it actually made me smarter. By playing music it improves my thought process and reaction time. This proves to be useful when I am in other classes because the way in which I think things through has changed. My critical thinking

Page 24 has improved and problem solving has done the same. My problem solving has improved because when I fi rst starts playing the tuba, the only one that was available was a broken down piece of junk. And of course my director told me I should fi x it. And so I did. At fi rst i was very perplexed towards this situation, but after a little bit, and after I had learned about the structure and how everything was supposed to fi t together, I fi gured it out and repaired it to almost pristine condition.

Anna Hoffman City: Coon rapids Occupation: High school student Testimonial: Some only think of fi ne arts as just a class or an extra cirricular. To me ,it’s much more than that. It’s like my whole life. It’s the only thing I truly enjoy in school. I love the fact that it gives me the chance to express who am I,and what I can become. It helps reduces my stress and anxiety and gives me the the encouragement I need to focus more in other class rooms. But the main thing I love is that I can do things in fi ne arts to improve my life and that I don’t have to compete. I go out there in the world and do my best. If i fail I just keep trying. My band, choir, and speech teacher taught me that. Brianna Goebel City: Coon Rapids Occupation: Student Testimonial: The Fine Arts have impacted my education because now I can understand music better. I can get more scholarships for college through my musical talent. I have been in band for four years and I have been in chorus for nine years . It has helped my education knowing a little about music theory and musical numbers. In this era, we have more and more music showing up in everyday life and we need to understand a little about music techniques to understand the music we hear. Music is everywhere: restaurants, elevators, bathrooms, adventure parks, etc. As young adults, we listen to music all the time. It is important to understand music theories and techniques. I have been in art for eight years and I love it. I have been in theater for three years . I think Fine arts should be part of the core curriculum. Delenn Raygor City: Coon Rapids Occupation: Students Testimonial: Fine Arts has impacted my life and education because to me music is my life. I can not live without music. My whole life I have been trying to fi gure out who I am. I feel like there has been a part of me that is missing and being a part of a band is the best feeling in the world. Without being in music there would be a hole in my heart. To me singing is a big part of my world. Whenever there is a song on that I like I always automatically start singing to it. I can’t resist singing. When I was a little girl I started writing songs. I could never think of the right notes to play. Many people say that I am weird because of the fact that I like music, but I don’t care. As long as I get to do what I love the most that’s all that matters. Dramatic arts and the theatre is so much fun. I got to be in a play this year and I loved it. One of the parents that was directing told me that I was really good and that I looked like I belonged on the stage. I love the theatre, and I love being on stage. In Conclusion Fine arts is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Abby Hoffman City: Coon Rapids Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have always had a huge impact on my life. From when I was really little, I loved to sing, dance, and act out all of the stories I told everyone. I always wanted to go to Nashville and become a

Page 25 country music singer, or go to New York to become a performer on broadway, and the last resort was to go to L.A to become a movie star. Those we’re just my childhood dreams though. But as I grew up, I realized I wanted to do something involving music. In elementary school, music was my favorite class of the day. I loved singing, playing the drums when our teacher allowed us to, and performing for our parents. I always had a smile on my face and really got into the music. In 5th grade, I signed up for band and I have been playing ever since. I am now a junior in high school. I have played the saxophone for 7 years and I plan to keep playing for fun or even in college after graduating. When I turned 13, I started taking voice lessons from a local here in town. I stayed with her for about 3 years, then I got into high school, joined the choir and decided that was enough. Even though I loved it, I couldn’t really afford to keep taking lessons. But singing has taught me to not be afraid of the unknown and to challenge yourself. If you never try at life, you won’t get anywhere. Music expresses myself. It allows me to show the world who I am, and what I believe in. Without music, my life would b fl at.. Haha get it? :) I love music so much! I always want it as apart of my life, which it will be. As a second job, I want to start my own business and become a d.j and play music at parties, especially at people’s weddings. Not for the money, because I hear they get payed pretty good, but for the music. I also want to encourage my kids, when I have some, to have music as apart of their life too. Music has also helped my academics, like math. With all the counting we do in band, in has brought my math grade up, and made it easier for me to understand concepts that I struggled with before. My parents would agree with me too. Being in band has also made me proud of the challenges I have over come in class. But not just in band, in everything challenging in life. I am proud of everything I do now, and I feel good about it. Music has overall changed my life, and for the better. It helps me through tough times, like when my boyfriend was at basic training, it helped me get through. It calms me and just makes me feel good. Overall, music is my life. Cass Shalyn smith City: Anita Occupation: student Testimonial: Music has been a huge part of my life since I was born. My whole family is incredibly music oriented. Vocal and band have helped me in situations that no one else understood. I can express my emotions through song a lot easier than I can in words. I’m not just a part of my high school vocal and band, I’m a part of a lot of community singing groups. Vocal and band are places where I feel safe. I feel no shame in expressing who I am in vocal and band. Vocal and band are scientifi cally proven to help the brain when studying for tests, and helps the brain develop. Vocal and band are such a huge part of me that I want to continue my music, and be a Music Therapist. Music Therapy includes being fl uent in guitar, piano, percussion, being able to read bass clef and treble clef music, know all notes, and know pitches by ear. I would not be qualifi ed for that job without the Fine Arts. Not only am I in band and vocal, I’m also a dancer. Dance also helps me express who I am. It takes discipline and dedication. Those things are incredibly important in life. I am also very involved in Speech. I went to state in it, and it was one of the greatest experiences in my life. It’s such an honor, and something that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Without the Fine Arts, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Jody Rudolph City: ANITA Occupation: Vocal Music teacher Testimonial: I have been teaching vocal music at the Anita and CAM School Districts for over 25 years. I have seen music education do amazing things to kids over the years. They gain confi dence in performing and pride in their performance group. Music has helped students in their emotional, academic and social growth. I am so proud of the support that my school and the state of Iowa gives to music education. Music makes a student, a better student.

Page 26 Brooklyn Wendt City: Anita Occupation: NA Testimonial: Being in choir and band has taught me how to read and how to play beautiful music. Being in dance has made me become a better and stronger person. Katlyn City: Massena Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine Arts have been a huge part of my life as a student, even back to elementary. In elementary and middle school I participated in many art contest and received awards in many of them including: Nation Peace Poster and ISEA Sticker Contest. I’ve played the piano since I was nine and the fl ute since I was ten, both of which I have really enjoyed. It’s taught me how to read music, which I feel is a life long skill. Marching band and vocal have taught me how to get in front of people like in parades and in musicals. I’ve also learned how to work with other people as a group to accomplish our goals. I think Fine Arts are very important to our education. Cedar Matthew Gruemmer City: Durant Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts education has impacted my life by helping to shape me into the person I am today. In high school, and during college right now, some of my most considerable learning moments have come in the choir, band, and theater classrooms. If I didn’t have the dedicated teachers and experiences I had from fi ne arts education, I would not have been able to learn many important life lessons such as doing the right thing, going above and beyond what is expected, treating others with respect, and being responsible in everything I do. Overall, I remember my fi ne arts experiences as a wonderful escape from reality. Specifi cally, all of my worries ans baggage at home or school would be dropped off in front of my choir room. During that hour of music-making, I could be the happiest and most successful person in the world. This education has not only allowed my to continue chorl education at college, but it has also given me the opportunity to enhance my skills as a person. Thanks you.

Kathryn Milster City: West Branch, Iowa Occupation: Visual Arts Instructor/Learning Strategies Teacher Testimonial: Fine Arts have tremendously and positively impacted my life. I received a BFA and then an MAE in the 1970s and have continued to use the lessons learned from the schooling throughout my teaching career, career as a professional artist and commercial artist, since I began teaching in 1977. How has it impacted me? I had a high school art teacher/mentor who helped me though diffi cult situation through my art, helped me by employing me when I was in teacher training, and gave me the confi dence to continue my education so that I may, in turn, help others. I have her to thank for the presentation I will be giving at the National Art Education Association Conference in San Diego in March 2014. I have her to thank for teaching me the basics and fundamentals in art such that I could help others entering the education profession. I have her, and my other art teacher to thank for encouraging me when I did not believe in myself. These educators are no longer alive, but I can remember things they said, tips they gave, encouraging looks, positive comments, and so much more, every time I pick up a brush or a pencil. I am now paying it forward: trying to help those who are our

Page 27 future teachers and artists, while honoring those who helped me in the past. I would say THAT is a pretty big deal. Kathryn J. Milster Visual Arts Instructor/Learning Strategies Teacher West Branch High School The W.B.C.S.D: People, Passion, Purpose!

Cerro Gordo Rebecca Marty City: Clear Lake Occupation: Elementary music teacher, private piano instructor Testimonial: In my personal life, music helps me get through daily “chores:” cleaning, dishes, the things that we often don’t want to do, it’s made easier through music. Teaching? Every year brings a new challenge, but where else so I have kids ASKING to stay in from RECESSES to fi nish composing a song, or come in for help because they want to provide music for their mom’s wedding? Enough said... Rebecca L. Marty City: Clear Lake Occupation: K-6 general music Testimonial: I am a 6th year general music educator at the Garner-Hayfi eld elementary school in Garner, Iowa. I am a native of Wisconsin, where I received my education, K-12. It was around the K-1 years that a teacher taught me a song, “Music Means the World to Me.” Lyrics include: music means the world to me, a world of opportunity, a chance to reach down deep inside, and fi nd the rhythm, fi nd the rhyme. Music means the world to me, a chance to sing in melody. With voices joined together we can live in perfect harmony.” We were each given a button that had the title of the song and a picture of the world on it. I have kept it in my trumpet case ever since. I not only learned to appreciate music from different cultures, but have experienced ways that music helps me learn--math facts, geography facts (names of the 50 states), even book quotes! Music is not something that should be separated from a child’s core education--it helped me become who I am today. Jessica Palmer City: Mason City Occupation: Manager at the Iowa Children’s Museum Testimonial: I didn’t have the greatest family life growing up. I am a child of divorce, remarriage, emotional abuse, and more. When my life at home got hard, I had the arts to get me through. My involvement with music, theatre, and dance through my school and after school programs gave me something to pour my feelings into. It was a much needed outlet. Not to mention that staying involved in these programs helped me stay involved at school. My love of music lead me to receiving a Bachelor of Music from the University of Iowa. Had the arts not been available to me throughout my grade school career, I could be in a vastly different place. I hope that any willing child would have the opportunity to participate in fi ne arts through their school and after school programs. It is so important. Katie Seiler City: Mason city Occupation: Retail Testimonial: I feel the arts have made a major impact in my life. It has brought me closer to people and has given me confi dence in expressing myself. I believe it teaches you to look outside the box. I was in drawing, painting, pottery, band and for a short time choir. I feel everyone has a little bit of an artist in them, weather they know it or not. So I think that everyone should have the right to fi nd themselves and experience the fi ne arts.

Page 28 Cherokee Judy Pine City: Dickens Occupation: Music Education consultant Testimonial: While growing up on a farm in NW Iowa, my parents made sure my sisters and I all had piano lessons all the way thru our elementary thru high school days. We all sang in every church and school choir possible and played in our schools band too. These experiences inspired me to further my education at UNI and become an elementary music teacher. While I no longer teach, this background has enabled me to now assist music teachers in Iowa and beyond to do provide quality music education programs for their students and for this I am every grateful.

Chickasaw Bob Messersmith City: New Hampton Occupation: Sales Testimonial: I consider myself lucky to still be involved in music 45 years after playing in our high school band. We have a 15+ member group that preforms big band music a couple times a years. We have been together 20 years. It’s been a great time. Gary Griffi n City: New Hampton Occupation: Salesman / Farmer / Private Teacher Testimonial: Living on a family farm in rural Iowa, I was greatly affected by my early experience with vocal music, band, and musical theater production. Today after doing my day job, I lead a local 16 piece band of adults called coincidentally, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job”. We perform concerts in the park in New Hampton & neighboring towns, dances, Sesquicentennial celebrations, and even the U.S. Marine Corps Anniversary Ball. These are all average citizens, farmers,doctors, engineers, salesman and people from all walks of life. They wouldn’t have had the ability if not for the arts in school. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! Bob Huinker City: Lawler Occupation: Retired Teacher Testimonial: My fi ne arts education impacted me to the point of making a career as a music teacher. After enjoying 33 years of sharing the joy of making music with students I now am making music with fellow citizens in community and area wide bands. This past year I had the joy of performing with an 18 piece swing band in the New Hampton area made up of area business people. I played with the community band of 20-30 citizens in Protivin, Fort Atkinson, and Spillville. I also had the pleasure of playing several times in a 6 piece rock and roll band of which I am the youngest player at 58 years of age. Not only has my fi ne arts education empowered me to play and enjoy making music but I also realize that the music education that my fellow musician friends received is still paying them dividends to this day. Joanna VanDeBerg City: Sumner Occupation: Retired Testimonial: Because of music education in school, I’m so very much enjoying my retirement. I LOVE to play my

Page 29 horn!!! I STRONGLY URGE our legislators to promote the addition of Fine Arts to the Iowa Core so our children of today can be fulfi lled, stay mentally healthy, be active, and enjoy THEIR retirement through arts also. Within the past week, I’ve performed with UNI New Horizons Band on stage of the Great Hall in the Gallagher-Bluedorn. One must be at least 50 years old to play in this band; our most recent concert on Dec. 15 one of our drummers celebrated his 100th birthday!!! We elders rehearse twice a week (with social time following each rehearsal) in the fall, spring, and summer semesters to prepare for our concerts and summer tour. I’ve been a member of “Don’t Quit Your Day Job” Band in New Hampton for 20 years, performing gigs for various town and private celebrations. In the summer, I play in the community bands in Fort Atkinson weekly, Protivin for Czech Days, and Spillville for town celebrations and summer concerts. I’m also very active in our church, and play my horn an average of twice each month for descants to hymns, prelude, or offering. During the national news this week, there was a story of a study being done with people whose blood tests rank them at very high risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study involves nutritious eating, exercise, and, not just music...but PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS to retard or eliminate the onset of this disease. How huge is that?? Almost every event (weddings, funerals, sports, town celebrations, etc.) involves music. I’ve met many wonderful people, and together we make music for these events. I can’t imagine my retirement years without playing my horn. PLEASE allow the same opportunity for today’s youth. Thank you for your consideration of this most important and urgent request!!

Clarke James Kimball/Mary Ellen City: Osceola Occupation: Doctor Testimonial: The arts are not an option. They maintain our civility, they direct our activities, and the entertain. Every day we use their lessons. I cannot imagine a curriculum that does not include them. As a physician, I always attempt to maintain the beauty of the human form when performing surgical epairs. Our home is modest, yet it has a balance and line that we found attractive. We enjoy ttending events that demonstrate the ability of our children and grandchildren. Life without the arts is sterile and drab. Arts are essential. Clay Morgan Kramer City: Fostoria Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have been an integral part of my life and have taught me many important lessons. First, the fi ne arts have provided me with a creative outlet. Today’s academics focus on the core subjects. These subjects are very important, but it is crucial that students are given a creative medium to express themselves. Music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts allow students to create art based on what they are feeling or how they perceive the world. Art allows students to express themselves. Secondly, the fi ne arts have taught me to be aware of my emotions and handle them. Whenever I feel stressed, sad, happy, or any other emotion, I go to music. A few minutes at the piano can erase a bad day. Lastly, the arts have taught me to be more human. Because of my education in the fi ne arts, I have had the opportunity to perform alongside complete strangers. Even though we came from different backgrounds and probably had drastically different opinions of the world, music brought us closer. Art is a universal language that brings people from completely different parts of the world together. Without the arts, I would be a far less creative, sensitive, and open-minded human being.

Page 30 Page 31 Clayton Jeremy Idler City: Guttenberg Occupation: 5-12 Band Director Testimonial: The fi ne arts are incomparable to any other subject. Being a part of music ensembles has impacted my life for the better. This type of involvement in band and other music groups can create relationships that last a lifetime. I have also noticed my life has been improved due to the responsibility and discipline that is generated. The fi ne arts have made me more independent as well because a group needs each member’s best. At the same time, my involvement in fi ne arts has helped me notice the trust that develops from interdependence as well. There is nothing greater than being a piece of a greater puzzle and seeing how you fi t. Everyone can contribute their piece and individuality in the fi ne arts. It’s not like sports; everyone is a “starter.” I was not turned down and as a band director, I will not turn down any student from being a part of a music group and making an impact. Katherine Chandler City: Elkader Occupation: Potter/Ceramic Artist Testimonial: The arts have brought me so many opportunities - I think the biggest one is when I worked for RDG Dahlquist Art Studio in Des Moines as an artisan and teacher. I was able to bring art into the community in so many ways. Making public art pieces for others to share, and teaching art to those who may or may not have ever been exposed to the creative atmosphere of an art class. I watched people grow in many ways through one art class. It was and still is amazing to see people change through the exposure of art. Now, as I sell my own art, I am able to share my passion with others who may not already understand what art is about. They begin to realize how art is an outlet for expression, meaning, and truth. As a student, I traveled extensively through Europe with the University’s art department. Each city, each museum or church the we visited, I picked up not only precious art history knowledge that would pave the way for my own art, but I also learned about other cultures, and how they are all integrated and important to on another. I brought back these experiences and wove them into my life here, letting them merge within my everyday life. As a member of the Elkader Opera House Players, we have brought so much to the community through theatre. What once began as a small group of players right here in town, has grown into a large, tight knit assemblage of people who travel from all over the area, just to be a part of our top notch group of players. It was members of the group who pushed for the renovation of the old opera house and played a big part in the stunning make- over that is has today. This renovation caused many new events to take place in the theater bringing people from all over to visit our town and enjoy fantastic artistry up on stage, from large scale musicals, and plays, to music concerts and stand up comedy. This theater is defi nitely a major positive point in the community of Elkader. I am lucky to have been brought up in a very artistic family. As the daughter of a music teacher, I have been immersed in the arts in many ways, developing many facets that could not be achieved any other way. I know that not all people art graced with the passion for the arts like I am, but I now fi nd that it is my job to spread these passions to others, and help them realize their own passions for the arts, weather is visual, music, theater, or any of the many other outlets that in the end become art.

Clinton Shelley Weiss City: Calamus Occupation: Bookkeeping Testimonial: The Fine Arts Dept in schools is vital to the growth of our students. It is where they can use their

Page 32 imagination to overcome fears and come up with some wonderful ideas. I am a single mother who was into sports in high school and could have cared less about the drama dept, band or chorus, but my son has taught me to appreciate those things I didn’t care for when I was younger and wish that I had taken more time to enjoy. I see how the musical performances effect his attitude and outlook and I am very thankful that he has the wonderful teachers that encourage him to sing and perform. They have given him the self confi dence that he lacked. I can only hope by making Fine Arts part of the Iowa Core, that not only will the schools always have this department available for our students but funding in some way will also be given. Thank you to those of you who have the passion to keep our students talents alive!!

Rishi Kolusu City: Clinton, IA Occupation: Full time student Testimonial: The arts have taught and reinforced many life lessons for me. They have taught the importance of methodically preparing for a big event. They have taught me to hold myself to a high standard (a baseball player with a .698 batting average is unheard of. In music, hitting notes with 69% accuracy would get you fi red), they’ve reinforced the concept of balance in my life and they have taught me to be selfl ess. These are all things that students should know as they go into the real world.

Kali Clalrk City: Lost Nation Occupation: Student at Midland High School Testimonial: The way fi ne arts has impacted my way is in art I gained more confi dence and am more proud of the work I created. In music in which I was in allowed me to think of music in ways to describe the mood of something. I have not done theatre or drama so that I can’t know but I may be interested in it for it could possibly give me more social skills. I have done dance and that allowed me to feel good about myself but I have not been in dance for many years now. Overall fi ne arts helps one with personal aspects of themselves and it is in direction for the better.

Page 33 Crawford Patricia Aguilar City: Denison Occupation: Stay at home mom Testimonial: Me llamo Patricia Aguilar. Tengo dos hijos involucrados en musica. Uno de mis hijos esta en el septimo grado y mi hija mayor esta en el decimo grado. Los dos estan en banda. A mi nunca me llamaba la atencion de conciertos de banda ni las bandas en desfi les pero ahora me da mucho gusto apoyar a mis hijos y a la banda en todos estos aspectos. Yo he ido a conciertos,he escuchado solos y he ido a diferentes festivales de banda (jazz, mariachi, etc.) y he escuchado como van mejorando. No solo escucho que mejoran, pero me encanta ir a estos eventos porque me siento mas involucrada con la communidad humilde que tenemos. Me da mucho gusto que nuestra comunidad tenga eventos de musica asi porque no solo me involucra a mi, si no que tambien a differentes generaciones y a personas con diferentes culturas y con diferentes historias.

Translation: My name is Patricia Aguilar. I have two children involved in music. One of my sons is in the seventh grade and my oldest daughter is in the tenth grade. The two are in band. Before I never paid attention to the concert band or bands in parades but now I am happy to support my children through these aspects. I’ve been to concerts, and have been to many festivals Band (jazz, mariachi, etc.) and I’ve heard how they have improved. I hear not only improvement but I love going to these events because I feel more involved with the humble community we have. I am pleased that music in our community has events so that not only involve me, but also different generations and people with different cultures and different histories. Carrie Gunderson City: Denison Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: The fi ne arts, especially music and band, has had a major impact in my life, my children’s lived, and our community in many ways. First, I had myself growing up an outlet of choir and piano to build my confi dence as well as use gifts and talents that I have been given. I feel it helped my thinking as well, so my learning in education was enhanced. I now have three children who are in music, band, and piano as well. I know it has helped in their confi dence, thinking skills, and skills in dealing with other people as you need to be a part of a team in band also. They thrive in it and give back to our community with it as well bringing people closer together. My children are a part of band, jazz band, mariachi band, pep band, vocal music, piano, and honor bands. We live in a diverse community. Our school was the fi rst school in Iowa to have a Mariachi band. My oldest daughter is a part of the fi rst band to do that. They are a team. It has brought different ethnicities of people together. Many friends have been made also. There may be different languages spoken, but the music that is played, together, is as one. The fi ne arts is a necessity in our schools for my family, our community, and myself for those different reasons I mentioned. It is so benefi cial to all generations in many different ways. Michelle Ahrenholtz City: Denison Occupation: NWAEA Special Education Consultant/Teacher Testimonial: In the Denison School system, my fi ve children, along with countless others, have been able to excel and thrive in the musical opportunities that they have been able to be a part of over the years from early on. The music programs of choir and band are not just superior music programs in the Denison community ---- but they underline and enhance our whole community during events such as Cinco de Mayo, the Homecoming Parade, and Memorial Day celebrations. The Jazz Bands JAZZ UP A NIGHT OF FUN in the community. The Marching Band thrills the 1/2 time shows at the football games. The Pep Band excites the sports’ crowds during basketball games. The Show Choir entertains our grade Page 34 school students in concerts. The Concert Band performs every year for a full house at Christmas. Handel’s MESSIAH has been conducted with professionalism, well-trained high school soloists, the high school choirs, and a full orchestra for over a decade. Being a member of the Denison School and the Denison Community for over 20 years now, music is intertwined in my family’s life through my children’s active involvement in the musical opportunities and experiences in Denison. I can’t imagine our community without our successful music programs. THANK YOU Denison for making music a foundation ALL children are able to establish, with which they can continue to grow into adults with the ability to be more than they could have thought possible.

Dallas Jolene Walker City: Adel Occupation: Project Management - Electronic Banking Testimonial: I wouldn’t be where I am today without the fi ne arts programs in school. I was incredibly shy in school. I entered high school and I took art classes, joined the chorus and in the boldest move in my life, joined theatre/drama. That brought me out of my shell and enabled me to perform onstage and later go on to give speeches and talk to large groups of people. I found my voice. I also found a sense of belonging as well as the ability to express myself in a healthy way. I discovered friendships that I still have to this day 20+ years later. Music is such an integral part of my life today as well as my children’s life. My daughter is also shy as I was. She too, found her calling in music (band and choir). She isn’t into sports so these programs gave her something to call her own. She gets to travel for band/choir and be a part of a great program. She lights up when she talks about music and I see the passion when she wants me to listen to something new. I am exceedingly thankful for the fi ne arts programs at school. M. Fiscus City: Perry Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: As a young person I was shy and lacked confi dence. I wasn’t good at sports but needed something to do. Throughout my K-12 education I was involved in several different fi ne arts activities that impacted my life for the better. As an elementary student I began playing the violin. It felt good to do something that I could learn, be part of a group, feel successful, have praise from an instructor even if I wasn’t the best person in the orchestra. I joined 4-H but didn’t really begin to excel in leadership roles until I started participating in middle school drama and speech. Those activities gave me confi dence I needed to excel in other areas of life. To this day I still appreciate the lessons learned in my youth orchestra, speech contest, and drama. I learned strive for excellence, practice hard for the things you love, commitment to a group effort, confi dence in self, progress vs immediate success,

Chelsea Haaland City: Waukee Occupation: Speech Teacher, Drama Director, and Freelance Theatre Testimonial: When I was younger, I was shy. I hid behind my mother’s legs when we had family gatherings, and I walked the other direction when I ran into schoolmates at the store. My mom forced me to audition for a play at church when I was seven years old. They gave me a lead part. I didn’t know what that meant at the time; I promptly memorized all the lines (mine and those of everyone else) and learned all the songs. On show night, my mom made a big dinner and all of my grandparents came to church. I still didn’t know why it was such a big deal. And then, I felt the magic. The lights blinded my vision and I could just barely make out the silhouettes of my fan club in the audience. I said my fi rst line. Laughter. I said my next line. Laughter. I slowly realized that I was controlling my audience - that

Page 35 I had this magic power to give my audience joy. This intoxicating feeling birthed the desire to be involved with theatre ever since. I saw the same magic power entrance my dad when I was 12 years old, sitting in the audience for the Broadway tour of Miss Saigon. The tragic ending took me by surprise, but when I turned to my dad for comfort, I marveled instead at his wet cheeks as he wept for the loss of the protagonist. Theatre had a strange grip on this otherwise stoic man; I had only seen him cry at funerals. Theatre’s magic held on through college. All of my best friends - and my husband - were found through various theatrical experiences. I had the chance to explore my art form while also exploring my own identity as an adult. I found the most valuable parts of my collegiate education took place in the theatre classroom, where it is common practice for educators to give immediate feedback, mentor both the academic and emotional parts of your whole, and celebrate all of the unique individual traits that help us create an effective ensemble. These are all things we value in education everywhere - but that exist intrinsically in performing arts classrooms. That is why I chose to lead my own performing arts classroom. I have seen that magic power give students ownership over student- driven projects and performances that rival that of my professional peers. I have seen my students burst forth with new confi dence as applause rings in their ears. I have seen how students from diverse backgrounds, cliques, and lifestyles have united together for a common goal. I have seen how they value one another as people and are becoming better citizens because of it. I have seen how their passion for the art and their need to be involved has been a motivator to do well in other classes. I have seen that magic power give students the freedom to explore self without judgment. I have seen that power allow my students the avenue through which they may freely talk about anxiety, abuse, eating disorders, divorce, depression, racism, suicide - all without judgment from peers. I have seen the accompanying emotions funneled into healthy and creative outlets for expression that helps them to heal. I have seen magic because of fi ne arts education. Teresa Kresse City: Perry Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: The opportunities both of my children have had in school within their perspective fi ne arts departments has greatly impacted our family over the years. My oldest son, now a graphics art major at UNI, fell in love with art in elementary school and continued developing his skills throughout his secondary education. He discovered his passion, and it has centered him. My second child, now a sophomore in high school, has always loved vocal music. This year when his school put on a musical for the fi rst time in nine years, he auditioned improving his self-esteem as well as his motivation. Now he is excited to audition for future productions and become more involved in the theatrical arts. Without fi ne arts programs like the ones offered within the Perry Community and Davenport School Districts, my children would not have found pleasure in their school days nor reasons to succeed in school and in life. For these reasons and more I wholeheartedly support continuing fi ne arts programs within the state of Iowa and our nation! Eldonna Skahill City: Van Meter, IA Occupation: Elementary Teacher/Guidance Counselor Testimonial: I participated in vocal music (choir, girls’ glee, and show choir) and band (concert, marching, and jazz) while in high school. I took part in every high school play and musical offered. I took dance lessons as a young child, and piano lessons from 3rd grade until I graduated from high school. I also served as the jazz band pianist and often as an accompanist for high school choirs. I was not as involved in the fi ne arts while in college, but I returned to community theater as a young adult. To this day, I am the pianist/organist at my church. My daughter, who is a junior in high school, is also involved in each of the activities I mentioned, with the exception of piano lesons. I cannot say enough about the importance of fi ne arts in our schools! Not only do they provide life-long skills and talents, but they give students a broader perspective of the world around them. Not everyone will continue to play football or soccer or volleyball after high school and college, but EVERYONE will benefi t from the higher-order thinking skills associated with music education, from the public speaking skills

Page 36 associated with theater/speech/drama, and from the confi dence that comes with being able to express yourself musically, theatrically, and artistically. Removing fi ne arts education from the schools would be a huge disservice to our children, and would send a message that unless you’re an athlete, you’re of no value. I highly encourage...no, I BEG you...to realize and promote the importance of the fi ne arts in our schools. Thank you! Angie Evoy City: Adel Occupation: Mom Testimonial: I believe Art is one of the most important aspects of a child’s education. Both myself and my 2 girls have used Art in various forms to help cope with diffi cult situations. In the ever changing, automated and too-fast world that we live in today I believe it is more crucial than ever to give kids the opportunity to express themselves through drawing, singing and theatre. It is these skills that will carry them through the hard times if they learn to call upon them at a young age. Especially as talking and writing grow more obsolete by the day, I think the tactile expeiences and human interactions offered through Art are necessary to develop a well adjusted person.

Teresa Gibson City: Dallas Center Occupation: Medical consultation and billing Testimonial: Fine arts is a vital part of the academic curriculum of a school district. I personally, was not involved in fi ne arts as a student , but as a parent I have enjoyed watching my children participate in these activities. This helps to make the children well rounded individuals, but beyond that fi ne arts provides the children with educational opportunities such as critical thinking and problem solving. I think one of the best things the arts to for children is to give them the opportunity to work cooperatively in groups. This gives them a sense of belonging and fellowship. The students are exposed to other languages and cultures through their arts education. In our community we are blessed to have an excellent fi ne arts program and the educators are superb role models for the students. A college education includes courses in the arts ..so should a high school diploma. Our world would be much less colorful without the fi ne arts. Just breath and enjoy the beauty!

Bre Poage City: Waukee Occupation: Daycare provider Testimonial: Music made me want to be a teacher. Music made me appreciate more. Music saved my life. Without music, without being in choir, show choir, and jazz choir, I would’ve died. My amazing teachers have been amazing and supportive toward me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Judy Meadowcroft City: Adel Occupation: Registered Nurse Testimonial: I played the piano as a child and wished I would have continued with this as an adult. I think that music, choir, band is extremely important for children as I believe it helps them with many things. Music is something that is an individual and group activity that is personal, whether you are good or not you feel full and beautiful when making music with your voice or an instrument. The same is very important with art classes. Art brings out YOU which is awesome! Kids need this in a world which is so competitive and superfi cial at times. The arts help children also with their other classes. I can’t quote research but I believe it’s been proven that children/people who play music or do art have more confi dence and have better grades. It would be a travesty if the arts were dropped or diminished in our schools and I don’t think we would have better children for it.

Page 37 Davis Rose Schmidt City: Bloomfi eld Occupation: K-5 General Music Teacher Testimonial: During junior high and high school, I realized that I enjoyed being involved in speech, drama, and music activities. I had several inspiring teachers (Cormac Cannon, Dameon Place, Shari Stewart, Amy Abler, and Mary Wetjen, to name a few) who really believed in me and challenged me to learn to express emotions and become a person beyond just “self-absorbed teenage girl.” I went on to study music at the University of Iowa, where I made life-long friends, marched with the Hawkeye Marching Band, and met the love of my life (who is also a music educator). I am now a K-5 music teacher in Davis County, where I get the privilege of working with around 590 students as they sing, dance, and experience music together. Decatur Delaware Darla Weber City: Manchester Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: Fine arts has had a huge impact on my life as a parent. I have one daughter who is in college, a son in high school and another daughter in middle school. All three of my children have been and continue to be actively involved in our district’s fi ne arts programs. Through these programs they have developed not only musical skills but also self esteem, self confi dence and the ability to talk to and interact with adults while being judged in small group and individual competitions. I believe that all of my children are much stronger individuals thanks to their involvement in fi ne arts! Linda Dempster City: Delhi Occupation: cosmetologist Testimonial: we Love music , plays, dancing, etc. Our daughter is a band instructor. She is a very talented, devoted person to her job. My heart goes out to her when she touches the lives of those nstrumentalist that are learning the joy of music. the parents are also a joy to hear them say to her what a great job she does! My other daughter is an artist, as well as a great prof. photographer. she has her own business . their eyes and ears have taught them soooo much and they are well rounded and very professional. they learned in school how to juggle many tasks in what they do. they also did dance. It made them so accomplished ! Jill Dobel City: Delhi Occupation: Band Director Testimonial: Since I’m a music educator, you could say it’s pretty obvious how the arts have affected my life. I’ve chosen to dedicate between 8-12 hours a day for the rest of my working life to the cause. But it’s more than my paycheck. Music is the one constant for me, and for all of us. It surrounds us nearly everywhere we go, and yet somehow, we’ve lost the art of making it in our culture. At some point, most people stopped having pianos, or fi ddles, or guitars in their homes. Before the days of widespread recorded music, if we wanted to hear some, we had to make it ourselves. Now there’s a line in the sand between “musicians” and “non-musicians”. As a music teacher, I often hear “Oh, I don’t know anything about music!” or “I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” “I’m a terrible singer!”. For some reason, it’s “normal” in our culture to play a game of pick-up basketball, or get together and Page 38 catch a fi lm, but coming together to make amateur music has been lost. We feel we have to leave it up to the professionals. With students no longer learning music in their homes from their parents, it’s more vital than ever to encourage students to CREATE. No classroom subject does this like music. Helen Temeyer City: Manchester Occupation: Iowa Testimonial: The fi ne arts have helped my daughters grow in confi dence in so many ways. Singing a solo on stage, dancing with the show choir, and performing in a musical have all taught my daughters about language, humanity, music, dedication, and commitment. They have learned collaboration and independence. They have also become healthier due to the dance. Fine arts is a vital part of my children’s education. It has turned them into fi ne young, intelligent adults.

Des Moines Stephanie Heckart City: Mediapolis Occupation: teacher Testimonial: As a talented and gifted teacher I see how the fi ne arts develops and challenges creativity in kids. It makes them more well-rounded students which translates to their adult life. Carmen Lachnitt City: Burlington Occupation: Music teacher Testimonial: I believe that band has had a profound impact on my life and academic success. I did not realize band’s complete effect on me until fall of 2013 when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. She has the inattentive type. She is not hyperactive but has signifi cant trouble paying attention. Despite having a very high IQ she was doing very poorly in school mostly because she was not completing her work. I was just like her in early elementary school. I got poor grades because I did not fi nish work. I started band at the end of 4th grade and went from a C student to a straight A student. I had straight As from 7-12 grade and was my class valedictorian. I was not diagnosed with ADHD and given medication as a child. I learned how to focus and concentrate playing music. I fear what would have happened if I had not had the opportunity to be in band. With the focus I learned in band I was not only able to succeed in junior high and high school but was able to graduate from college and earn a Master’s degree.

Dickinson Sara Laven City: Okoboji Occupation: teacher Testimonial: I am the person I am today because of fi ne arts. In high school I was involved in all aspects of music. Marching, pep, concert, and jazz band are some of my most fond memories! I loved playing my trumpet and it made me very proud to be a part of such successful groups. It was my love for music that pushed me to continue being part of a group as I spent 4 years as a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band at the University of Iowa. Without music education in high school I would have missed out on being part of the Hawkeye Marching Band and marching at the Alamo Bowl, Sun Bowl, Meadowlands, and of course Kinnick Stadium. Life long friends and memories are made in my life thanks to music education.

Page 39 Tyler Pedersen City: Spirit Lake Occupation: Instrumental Music Teacher Testimonial: Music has always given me the opportunity to express myself in a constructive and enjoyable manner. I decided in the 7th grade that if I enjoyed band so much that I wanted to make sure others had the same opportunity, and since that day I haven’t looked back. Over the past 19 years music has taught me many things including but not limited to: problem-solving, listening, anlysis skills, teamwork, real dedication, determination, love, joy, and beauty. It has also allowed me to share my craft for the benefi t of others at some of their happiest and most somber moments. In the interst of keeping this brief, I would like to close by saying that as an educator it is my hope that every student can experience what I have and take their own meaning from it. The question at hand is do the fi ne arts belong in the common core? To give you some insights into the value I place on them consider this. I am a 29 year old music educator who will never be wealthy due to my career choice. My wife and I have vehicle and student loan debt. In addition to that we own “the” money-pit, our 1900 farmhouse. Despite all of this there is no amount of money I would trade for the experiences and skills I have gained from my music education, no amount.

Dubuque William N. Rowley City: Dubuque Occupation: Director of Bands, Dubuque Senior High School Testimonial: I have been involved with fi ne arts education since I was 5 years old. I have been a music director for almost 30 years and I have witnessed fi rst hand the incredible infl uence that fi ne arts education has had on our students, families and community. A vibrant, evolving culture mandates a high quality of fi ne arts education that our young leaders of tomorrow receive during their public school experience. The quality of that experience is determined by quality resources, support systems, and qualifi ed instruction. Fine arts programs help defi ne our communities through specifi c instruction in cultural traits through the study of cultural artifacts, i.e.- music, dance, theater, visual art. The number one source of information for our young leaders to receive that kind of experience is in the public school fi ne arts program. In addition, we also teach their parents the value, attributes, and expectations of protocol that facilitates creative endeavors, higher order thinking skills, celebrates cultural differences, and nurtures acceptance of diverse community members. Dubuque is an outstanding example of a community that is blest with a diverse, vibrant culture. Dubuque has two community orchestra programs, several ballet/dance studios, the Northern Iowa School of Music, Five institutions of higher learning (Loras College, University of Dubuque, Clarke University, Wartburg Seminary, Emmaus Bible College), and an outstanding public school fi ne arts program. Dubuque has become one of the leading communities in the State to promote tourism, entrepreneurship, business expansion, community involvement, and diverse population to create a unique cultural community that has become highly successful in the work place and in celebrating cultural acuity. Emmet Steph Niewohner City: Armstrong Occupation: 6-12 Band Director North Union Schools Testimonial: I was exposed to some music from my mom as I was growing up however it was my public school’s music program that excelled my interest in learning more about music and eventually becoming a music teacher. I enjoyed singing and playing my clarinet, and when my middle school band director said I could have a career in music, I was hooked. Music was something that I excelled at in high school and participation in band and choir gave me both a family and a thing to belong to. I also participated in school speech. Without those, I would just have academics and no expressive outlets.

Page 40 Playing a lead in my high school music and participating in honor bands and honor choirs gave me confi dence. In the end, music has given me my passion and my career.

Fayette Kerri Mennenga City: Fayette Occupation: Elementary Music Teacher Testimonial: As a student, participation in the music was an essential part of my learning. I learned the value of co-operation, teamwork, focus, determination, and practicing. The skills I learned through participating in music continue to help me be a more productive and creative member of our society. As a music educator, I reaffi rm the belief that music is the way to reach a student’s heart and soul. Music allows them to go beyond the standardized testing and into making connections that help students learn. History, math, science, and reading are all a part of music. Participation in music is what allows children to collaborate, create, analyze, and discuss while making beautiful music. Music education also utilizes the higher end skills found on the Bloom’s Taxonomy. Music students are asked to create and evaluate on a regular basis about a very complex subject matter. Learning about music and creating music makes students more able to reach into their emotional side. Emotional and social intelligences are a key part of life. Music education impacts my life every single day. I have devoted my life to music and sharing the joy that music brings. I teach elementary music, elementary band, and maintain a private piano studio. Each day I am given the priceless gift of sharing the joy of music most with my students. Laura City: Fayette Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts was my life in high school. it helped me make friends I still have despite being separated because of college. It helped me realize that I have the ability to do great things in life, no matter how small a part I may play. It helped me learn how to be a better listener, a skill I think everyone should work on. Fine arts has made me a more confi dent person and I believe it made me a better person. It’s a way for students to work as a team. Some students may not have the skill or opportunity to be on a sports team, but would love to be in a play, band, or choir. Fine arts is a fantastic way for all of that to happen. Floyd Jayson Ryner City: Nora Springs Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: I grew up in North Central Iowa in a farming family that happened to be very musical. I turned my father’s hobby into my profession. Music education led me to a career in the arts. I now have my own family. We have had our children in music classes from the age of 3. They gain confi dence, express themselves, and will benefi t from the brain development associated with playing musical instruments. Arts education is vital to the development of a young person to help them be human. No where else do we teach appreciation for beauty and the understanding of other’s expression. That all happens in the arts. Caitlin rose Golle City: Nora Springs Occupation: college student/make pizza Testimonial: The arts have certainly helped me develop who I am. I am a singer, as well as a band kid, and a Page 41 speech/theatre kid. I am curewntly a vocal education major at NIACC. I participate in a group called the NIACC Singers. We singers are like a family. It is a 100% honor to be part of this group and it has thus far made my NIACC career. If it wasn’t for NIACC Singers, I fear I would have lost all motivation in school. When you are making art with others, you build a special connection (even connections we may be able to use in the future!) But this connection helps us invest more of ourselfs to what ever art we are creating. Fine arts is my life, and I am so thankful and appreaciative to have had the oppertunities that I have. It is extreamly important for proper development of our country, our world, for everyone to receive oppertunities like I have in my life. Lets further develop, and expand our fi ne arts programs; and watch our nation blossom. Brionna Sommers City: Nora Springs Occupation: Barista Testimonial: I would never have met the amazing people who kept me sane throughout high school. My best friend and I met during auditions for Guys and Dolls in the eighth grade. Since then, one was almost never seen without the other. When my high school consolidated with Manly, it was a little nerve-wracking: would I meet new people here? Would there be cliques separating the once separated schools? But it wasn’t long before out duo became a group. We were all in concert band together, choir together, we performed in contests together and if we went solo, we were there to support each other. Plays, musicals, ensembles both vocal and instrumental brought me closer to people that I sometimes struggle fi nding the word “hello” for. My life is infi nitely better because my school had a few fi ne arts programs. Sue Roffman City: Charles City Occupation: band instrument repair technician Testimonial: As a young participant in 5-12 school band, I enjoyed making music. However, I was not performance oriented. My curiousity was in how instruments worked and the science behind the mechanics. This lead to my career as a band instrument repair technican. I have been very fortunate to be in a postion of helping other musicians perform their craft and enrich their lives and others around them through music. It has also lead to being able to start my own business, which contributes to the local and state tax base, which in turns helps fund music programs in our schools and communities. I would not have been able to do this without music education in our schools.

Page 42 Franklin Jim Davies City: Hampton Occupation: Sales Testimonial: Fine arts education has impacted my life in many ways. One particular example comes to mind involved my son. When my older brother went through his fi nal illness and death, I was the family member to make all the fi nal medical decisions as well as funeral arrangements. It was an exhausting two weeks leading up to the funeral. At the visitation when it was time to speak on behalf of the family, I just could not do it. My youngest son stepped forward and volunteered to do so. He stood up and faced the church full of people and gave the most eloquent “thank you” on our behalf. I was so impressed, but not surprised. You see, my son had been involved since elementary school in children’s theater, vocal music, and dance. He was always a good student, but I know his participation in the fi ne arts made him what he is today. He is confi dent in front of a group as well as one-on-one. He thinks quick on his feet and expresses himself extremely well. These are priceless skills that can be used anywhere, at any time. He learned and honed these skills through his participation in fi ne arts.

Brook Boehmler City: Hampton Occupation: Mayor and Small Business Development Director Testimonial: My fi ne arts public school education was invaluable. It helped me understand, comprehend and appreciate business concepts and strategies that I have used both in my Bachelor of Science and Masters of Business Administration degrees. Momentum, practice and working with others were all learned in my arts education and were invaluable assets in my career in business and leadership. Visualizing the future and working today are all concepts that are invaluable in our arts, but also in our business communities and economic development. Dave Hisler City: Hampton Occupation: teacher Testimonial: Growing up, athletics was a huge part of my life. Many goals and aspirations were sports-related. Even as an adult, playing and coaching sports fulfi lled me. This desire has lessened over the years and along came acting. As a rookie to this craft, I am always listening, observing, and studying from directors and fellow actors. I look forward to new opportunities in community theater that will stretch me as an actor and allow me to try more complex roles. With the new friendships I have made already in community theater, it’s been well worth it. Valerie Haugebak City: Sheffi eld Occupation: HS Special Education Teacher Testimonial: Fine arts, especially the art classes, have allowed me to fi nd connections with students. Drawing, painting, etc. let a student express themselves without words, which is sometimes necessary for young people who have diffi culty fi nding the words. Often, I can enter one of our art classes and tell what kind of day a student is having by watching how they interact with their project. Art was extremely important to me as a child. The art classes allowed me to create something with no right or wrong answer.

Page 43 Jesse Bunge City: Hampton Occupation: 7-12 Vocal Music Director Testimonial: The fi ne arts gave me an outlet to be myself. In the arts, you don’t have to wear a façade to fi t in. The experiences I have had in the arts has been the most rewarding and fulfi lling experiences in my life. These moments are so powerful that you often try to recreate them. Sometimes you can, many times you can’t. You have to be in such a vulnerable state of mind. You have to be free of the burdens of life, but when you get that moment of ecstasy, the goosebumps crawl up your body, a euphoric feeling completely overwhelms you, your mind leaves your body, and your soul is fulfi lled. For me, It is even more rewarding when you are singing in a group. Everybody has to come together to achieve something bigger than themselves. Music is selfl ess. When you have 60 people singing together, whatever the emotion of the piece, and when everybody is on the same wave length and heartbeats are synchronized in song, there is nothing more powerful than that. Fremont Greene Kyra Babcock City: Scranton Occupation: Music Educator Testimonial: It has helped me express myself without words. Being an extreme introvert throughout my early years impacted my self-esteem, and music allowed me to grow as a person without judgement. I am more confi dent, more social and more happy with myself.

Victoria Chargo City: Jefferson Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts, music particularly, has greatly impacted my life by providing a creative outlet for myself as a student and as a pre-professional music educator. Participation in music was where I found my niche socially in high school, and I found my talents lie with music. The arts are for all students though, not limited to those with talent or fi nancial means. I have seen students from all socio-economic classes participate and succeed in music, visual arts, drama, and theater. The life skills these classes and activities provide are essential for future success, as they teach students to work collaboratively, how to succeed, how to fail, and how to focus on a goal for long periods of time. The arts teach delayed gratifi cation. I personally have learned many more life skills through participation in the arts, especially how to get back up after failure. There is no perfect in the arts; there is always room to improve. Students can and should be challenged by this and see that there is always room for more learning. The arts are more than a fi ll-in-the-bubble test. They are experiences and learning opportunities. Grundy Bryson Zabel City: Cedar Falls Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has allowed me to express myself in a way that I can’t explain. It allows me to tell a story, explore a character/song, and expand my horizons. I don’t know what type of person I would be without music and drama in my life. As a country we spend a lot of time watching movies and tv as well as listening to music. Having these programs in our schools shows us how we create the things we spend so much of our lives interacting with. Page 44 Guthrie Jordan Leckband City: Guthrie Center Occupation: K-12 Music Teacher Testimonial: I have several students that see their arts classes as a time to take some of the things they learn in other classes- problem solving, critical thinking, and discipline, and put them to good use in a subject they love. Employers look for traits beyond the formal training that most job seekers receive. They want communication skills, creativity, and a strong work ethic. Nothing fosters those critical skills quite like the arts does.

Hamilton Deidre Malmquist City: Stanhope Occupation: Library Assistant Testimonial: I have been a music lover all of my life, and have played the trumpet for about 40 years. Music education has given me an appreciation for history, art, languages, and travel, among other things. I learned discipline, perseverance, commitment to others, cooperation, and how to work together toward a common goal. Music helped me to develop leadership skills and taught me a way to communicate with others whether or not we spoke the same language. Music gave me the confi dence to meet new people in stressful situations, and to welcome newcomers to a group. It is through the various groups that I have played with that I made lifelong friendships, was able to experience once-in-a-lifetime things like marching at the Rose Parade, and traveling throughout the United States and Europe. It has also given me a hobby that I can enjoy for the rest of my life. Hancock Tyler Scholl City: Garner Occupation: College Student Testimonial: Throughout my education at Garner Hayfi eld High School I was involved in choir. Choir gave me opportunities I will always remember and that includes: class trips, all state competitions, honor choir competitions, and concerts. Parents loved seeing their son or daughter up there just like they would in an athletic event. Any extracurricular activity helps students achieve in their academics and it looks great on college applications. Band and chorus provide opportunities for students to get involved in their school and in turn the community. Students become better rounded in terms of character and academic development. This is the impact choir has had in my life and I can say the same for students who were in choir, band, orchestra, drama, and art.

Gary Steenblock City: Kanawha Occupation: farmer Testimonial: I don’t golf, bowl or have any other hobbies. Singing is my hobby. My wife and I have directed the jr. choir in church for many years and we have sung in the church choir for some 55 years. We are singing in a district choral society now, and I have been singing in a barbershop chorus. We have done this on only our high school education.

Page 45 Rachel Petsche City: Britt Occupation: 5-12 Band Director Testimonial: Music has been a part of my life since I was very young. I started studying piano at the age of 6 and from there I just kept adding instruments. My music education gave me refi ned motor skills, logic and problem-solving abilities, endless creativity, and helped me to understand what it means to be passionate about something. Music education is what drives me to succeed, music has supported me all through school and it supports me now as I teach others. I try to inspire my students every day to be the best they can be and I see them strive to achieve greatness through the arts. Many don’t realize how much their involvement affects them, but they leave my class humming the tunes from rehearsal that day. Arts education is going to build our future. I see students using their creativity and problem-solving skills to better their situation in school, and if they can make things better here, I know they have the ability to go on and make the whole world a better place.

Hardin Cheryl Pence City: Eldora Occupation: Retired Testimonial: As a kid, I was heavily involved in drama, band, chorus, (plus all the small groups included with band and chorus), and took art in high school. Later I in life, I had a craft store in my home for many years, attended craft shows and worked in a friend’s craft store. I love to see my creations come to life and then to have them appreciated by others is just an added bonus. I have always loved fi ne arts and enjoy the seeing 4-Hers Creative Art exhibits at county and state fairs. I also give a 4H Visual Art Scholarship every year. It seems trite, but we use art in our every day lives....whether it be choosing the right hair style, the design of a car we want to purchase, decorating cakes and cookies, taking good photos, and more. For me, the arts are not only a way of expressing ones self, but a form of relaxation and in some cases a form of therapy. It is sad to see the fi ne arts being limited or taken out of our schools. It is a way for those students who do not excel on the football fi eld or basketball court to show off their talents. I see pleasure in the eyes of my grandkids, the same pleasure I saw in my two daughters when they were children, draw or make something they are proud of. They also excel dance and music. So the impact that fi ne arts has had on me is now trickling down to my grandchildren and they too will fi nd out how all this will impact their lives in the years to come. Harrison Kristine Gash City: Missouri Valley Occupation: Offi ce Manager Testimonial: I have continued using music all of my adult life. I sing in church choirs and community choruses. I play the piano and organ, at churches and community events, and have supplemented my income as a single mother by playing keyboards at local churches for worship services and funerals. I have continued my love of theatre as well, after participating in high school musicals and plays, I still enjoy attending theatrical productions, whether it’s a local historical re-enactment or The Lion King. My world is so much more colorful and meaningful with all of the Fine Arts I began while a student at Woodbine Community Schools in Woodbine, Iowa.

Page 46 Rebecca Pavlik City: Modale Occupation: Starting my career in recruiting Testimonial: I started learning about fi ne arts in elementary school at West Harrison Community School District. I learned how to play both the fl ute and percussion. However, it wasn’t until Junior High that I was truly infl uenced by Fine Arts. As a 7th grade student I participated in Choir for the fi rst time. My talent was discovered by Mr. Bruce Norris. I had the talent of voice. Choir showed me that I too could be exceptional at something. I have a combined total of 7 years of intense vocal training. I have performed in small groups, performed the National Anthem, performed solo and even participated in competitions as a vocalist. It showed me that I could have courage. It was Choir that taught me more than anything else, how to stand in front of a group of people alone and present information to them. Without Choir, I am certain I would still be the stammering shy girl whenever the option of a presentation came about. Today, I can easily speak to people of all career levels confi dently and I know this is due to my time in Choir. It takes courage to get up in front of fi rst a few dozen, then a few hundred, and then a few thousand people and sing. Choir taught me discipline and preparation. These things are still critical in my life today. If I want to be exceptional at something, I need to be disciplined, do the research and prepare. Choir taught me that I have strength when times are diffi cult. It taught me to never give up. Not every performance will go as expected, but you don’t give up, you practice harder and try again. Each time you try, you get a little bit better! Choir taught me team-work. A choir will not sound professional without every member working together to achieve the same goal. How has fi ne arts impacted my life? I can’t think of a single area of my life, that isn’t better because of my education in the Fine Arts. Fine Arts education is not only important, but I believe it is critical in the education of our children. It is easily as important, as Science, Mathematics, and English. It taught me so many things that are, signifi cantly more useful to me today than anything I learned in Science, or the Geometric formulas I learned in Math. Don’t get me wrong, those things are important as well, but they should be accompanied by a strong Fine Arts program, and not offered as a better alternative to the Fine Arts program. In closing I will leave you with a thought. Textbooks and paper are wonderful for children who learn well that way. However, we as adults must remember that our children are not little cookie cutter fi gures, they are as individual as each and every adult on this earth. I am proof that Choir and other Fine Arts Education can teach an individual just as much, and possibly even more than any text book course. It taught me to be a leader, and a public speaker. It taught me to have courage, and practice or study until I got it right. It taught me to work as a team, towards attaining one goal. I am fairly certain that these are all key items required in high school, college, and the career world. How has fi ne arts education impacted my life? It simply made me the accomplished, dedicated woman I am today.

Henry Joy Dow City: Mt Pleasant Occupation: Music teacher Testimonial: A mother of a special needs child approached me to see if I thought I could teach her son to play piano. Her hope was that he might be able to learn something and feel successful. I told her I could despite the fact that he was coined, “untrainable” meaning the system said he would never be able to read, write nor function alone as an adult, holding down a job or living alone. His teachers and counselors discouraged me saying I was taking her money and giving her false hope. They also advised her it was a waste of time and would depress her son further when he failed. We both ignored the “nay-sayers” and continued forward with his piano lessons. Within six months, had he not only learned to play piano, he had also learned to read! All the “nay-sayers” were stunned. I saw her years

Page 47 later and she told me proudly her son had grown up well, holding down a job and living alone! She credited me as being the one who was able to trigger his ability to learn and process. Since then, (this was many, many years ago) studies now exist that show how brain activity is increased and new pathways created through the arts. The arts are more than just for beauty and pleasure. They stimulate the brain, creativity and development. Especially in this age where our children are loosing their critical thinking skills from so much technology that does it all for them, arts are more important than ever before!! Dina Saunders City: Mount Pleasant Occupation: ELL Teacher Testimonial: The arts allow for the creativity and personal expression that we seem to be losing in education nowadays. The focus has been on standardized tests, so we are creating standardized students. What has made this country great is the innovation and creativity we have long displayed. The arts incorporate full brain usage, which can lead to new ideas. The arts also play a role in celebrating diversity because uniqueness and creativity are important. If schools continue to experience cuts in the arts, we will become like China. Sure, we might be good at tests, but what new thing has China created? They are very good at taking others’ ideas and building them more cheaply, mostly because of the exploitation of their workers (topic for another time). In China, students and their families have to fi nd money to pursue the arts. That could easily happen here, making access to the arts only for families with money. Don’t overlook the importance of the arts when deciding funding. If our goal is to educate all students, we need to fi nd ways to reach all students, not just those who are good test- takers. Ardie Carson City: Mt Pleasant Occupation: Secretary Testimonial: First, I wonder why this is even a question to be asked. Research proves the power of the fi ne arts as it relates to academics. I will refl ect on how music impacted my children. They are now adults in their 20’s and 30’s. The memories they share revolve around their experiences in music. A vocal music teacher that empowered and taught the “other” choir that they could sing as diffi cult music as the “best, most talented” chamber choir - and they did. For this daughter, who is now a 5th grade teacher, this has been a guiding force in her profession - the power of a positive attitude. Her band instructor brought a philosophy of team work, and doing your best. He also reinforced treating all people with respect and also a sense of giving back to your community. He also emphasized a sense of responsibility as a representative of their school and our community. The music program in this community accepts all no matter their talent. This same band instructor felt one of my daughters could be the marching band drum major and he coached and developed her into an award winning drum major and I feel it has made her the successful Human Resource Director she is today. I do attribute her success to that leadership role - getting 180 peers to follow her lead. Still, she sings in community and church choirs and plays her instrument. Personally, after years of participation in the music booster program, I was encouraged to take a leadership role as president of the group, which is not my style. Yet, this same band director gave me the confi dence and tools to be successful. It really was a confi dence building experience. I would never have taken a leadership role prior to this. Participating in music, which took time out of the school day, along with participating in sports taught my girls how to manage time to be successful in all areas. They are all college graduates. One has a masters, the youngest is working on her masters in speech pathology. I KNOW, from their refl ections through the years that the early morning practices, bus trips to competitions and relationships formed during band and choir still infl uence their lives. I say again, I do NOT understand why there would ever be a question about the fi ne arts. They accept all - not just the very best. They give opportunity to all to stretch their wings and develop as a person. Whether it is visual arts, drama, theatre - they seem to fi nd a place for everyone/anyone that wants to be included.

Page 48 Adam Creager City: Mount Pleasant Occupation: Music Educator Testimonial: In my life, I have had the honor of learning from some great teachers. I knew from about 6th grade that I wanted to have a career in education, but not sure about the subject area. As I grew older into high school, there was one specifi c teacher who had the greatest impact on my life to this day, and that was my high school band director. His creativity, encouragement, drive for excellence, and passion for teaching was unlike any person I had ever encountered, and he chose to share that with all of his students every day. He not only worked to develop and maintain a strong band program, but encouraged all of us to become part of the greater community in which we live by learning about history, science, math, language, art, drama, theater, dance, and he daily brought all these aspects into our lives through the music we learned and the creativity he taught to us. He challenged and stretched us to think of new ways to approach music, new ideas that could be added to enhance our learning experience. Most importantly, we were provided the opportunity to try, fail, learn from our mistakes and try again, but were constantly encouraged pick ourselves back up and fi nish the race. The lessons learned were not only about music, but were about how to live your life. Because of this I strive to do for my students what he did for me. My life’s work is based upon the infl uence and impact that I received from a fantastic fi ne arts education. If I can provide even a fraction of what I have been given to my students, than I will have been successful in making a difference in the lives of others and have truly helped make the world a greater place to learn and live. Lois J Roth City: Mount Pleasant Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: I am a high school CTE-Business teacher. I am a mom of 2 daughters. I have a double view of this topic. From the perspective of benefi ts for my daughters (vocal and instrumental music): There is NOTHING better for Freshman orientation than Marching Band. Individual and group performances, learning and refi ning profi ciency of the instrument they played, taking lessons to improve, extensive need for their personal time management, evening concerts, weekend competitions (marching band, jazz band, show choir). They read, do math, read/compose, trouble shoot, problem solve, develop further personal relationships with their co-choir/co-band members ALL simultaneously. I support the arts, while I am a business educator. While many times core areas centralize on chapters/units-- music applies so many aspects seamlessly. Howard Dennis Brosdahl City: Cresco Occupation: Retired High School Principal Testimonial: As a student at Waldorf College I was member of Waldorf Choir; as a student at Luther College was member of Luther Nordic Cathederal Choir; as principal of Crestwood High School for 22 years (Iowa Principal of the Year 1990) I gave my total support to both instrumental and vocal music programs. Students who took part in these programs were most often the strongest leaders in the student body and most often the highest in character, scholarship, responsibility, and loyalty. I feel the preceding attributes were developed to a high level in our music groups. Both of my daughters took part in both music programs at our high school - and both gained so much as a result of their participation. As a retired man I continue to enjoy and support music in many forms.

Page 49 Humboldt Michael Blair City: Humboldt Occupation: Music Teacher Testimonial: My name is Michael Blair and I am a high school vocal music instructor in my 33rd year of teaching. I grew up on a typical farm in southeastern Iowa with two older brothers. My father raised cattle and hogs, and grew corn, soybeans and oats. I had typical farm chores to do every day after school and helped out in all aspects as I grew older. My mother played piano and organ for church and for pleasure (still does). My musical experiences began by singing with her and at church. My fi rst special musical moment came in Junior High when I was selected to play the role of Oliver in a condensed version of the musical “Oliver” - complete with costumes. That was my fi rst indication that I may possibly have a talent for singing. Had it not been for that opportunity, I’m sure the entire timeline of my life would be different. That moment defi ned me as one of the music kids. A musician. The high school vocal program included a concert choir, swing choir, and produced a musical every other year. I was involved in all of the music activities including solo contest, band, marching band and jazz band. Music was where I seemed to fi t in and succeed. Even though I never had a lead role in any of the high school musicals, I still participated wholeheartedly. After all, I knew I wasn’t “Conrad Birdie” material. I was a runt. I was “Harvey”. But I was one of the music kids. A musician. To make a long story short, my college music experience was tremendous. I learned so much and made so many long- lasting friendships with all kinds of different people. Now as a music teacher, I see kids just like me passing through the music program all the time. They might not be an athlete, a straight A student or one of the “cool” kids. They might not even have a lot of talent. But they can still be a musician. When I was in high school the choir had a mixture of jocks, brains, cool kids and all other types. So I got to develop friendships with all of them. The same happens today. A school music ensemble gives students a place to interact with a variety of social sets, developing camaraderie and teamwork, working toward a common goal - making music and being a musician. It’s a place where everyone can not only feel safe and accepted, but valuable. Of course, music is more than just a social club. It is intellectual, emotional and expressive all at the same time. Performing music together creates emotions and bonds that are lasting. All of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, text, form) combine to create something that moves the musician and listener alike. The most powerful element for me is the text. As a teacher, I try to select literature that has a meaningful message that is expressed in an artful, poetic way and interpreted in a variety of ways. Even pop and broadway songs can have incredibly moving texts. When I was in Junior High singing “Where Is Love” from “Oliver”, I could have been thinking “Where Do I Fit In?” It all comes down to how music makes you feel. There is deep enjoyment and satisfaction that can arise from singing, playing and listening. We are all after that “goose bump” moment that causes us to smile, inhale deeply, or even weep. I love the fact that there are so many moods of music. Who doesn’t enjoy a good cry brought on by a touching scene in a movie, made even more emotional by the all-important underlying music? We also love it when music makes us bounce, dance, or remind us of someone very special, or a special time in our life. I am 100% sure (without any supporting data) that having even a basic high school music education makes all of these emotions and experiences more vibrant and real. I can’t imagine music having the same impact on me personally, if I had not also been a creator (performer) of music. A musician. I’m pleased to know that my efforts as a high school music teacher have also impacted my students lives. Of course, there are a few that have gone on to become music teachers themselves. Music has obviously impacted them. Even more rewarding are the random notes and emails from “average” former students. Some have continued to perform in community choirs, church choir, praise band or even barbershop ensembles. One former student mentioned that her experience in choir gave her the confi dence to be a business leader. Who knew? Another is training to be a public speaker, having gained confi dence on stage during our annual musicals and other performances. There are many stories to be told. I’m sure there are those who don’t realize where their confi dence or appreciation for music comes from. That’s okay. I’m happy to provide a place where kids can feel safe and valuable. A place where they can fi t in regardless of who they are, where they come from or how much talent they have. A place where everyone can be a part of the awesome experience of creating music, learn to feel, and be someone special. A musician. Michael Blair, Vocal Music Humboldt High School Page 50 Ida Trisha City: ida grove Occupation: college student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have impacted my life in so many ways I would never would have imagined. By being an acting member in speech, theatre, art club, and choir groups, these activities gave me confi dence in my self and in my talents. I always had great teachers pushing me along the way to make the most of my skills. I truly believe that the confi dence I gained by participating in the fi ne arts have helped me succeed in the classroom, in college activities, and as well as during interviews. Laurel Bengford City: Arthur Occupation: student Testimonial: Music has impacted my life in the utmost positive way. It has been the one way that I can express myself. Because I have never been a fan of sports (nor been good at them), music was one way that I could get involved. I always enjoyed volunteering to sing the National Anthem or accompanying with piano at various events. In my mind, making good music is one of the most amazing/relaxing/brain stimulating things to do. Elizabeth Lawrence City: Ida Grove Occupation: Certifi ed Medical Assistant and Certifi ed Nursing Assistant Testimonial: The Fine Arts program at the Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek -Ida Grove school district located in Ida Grove , IA impacted my life at a young age In Kindergarten Mrs. Linda Johnson unleashed a Love of music into my soul.Later in my middle school and my high school career i was involved in choir, theater and dance. Dance as music to this day are a passion of mine and i owe that to the unfailing love and nurturing I got as a child from this amazing woman. She not only teaches her students to sing and how to love all kinds of music. She also bonds with them on a level only great educators can. Her passion shows in the many awards our high school choir has achieved over the years and continue to receive. Mrs. Johnson is truly a blessing to the students and future students of this school district.

Pippa Fineran City: Arthur Occupation: educator Testimonial: Fine arts education offered me a way to express myself. Being in both band and vocal music taught me much about working as a team player, appreciating music in many genres, and how to listen to others.

Iowa Evan Welsh City: Williamsburg Occupation: College Student Testimonial: I was home schooled during my elementary and junior high years, the years that are important in developing friendships. When I entered the high school my freshman year, I wasn’t really sure where I fi t in at. I joined choir because I knew that my sister did it and I fi gured it couldn’t hurt. During my

Page 51 fi rst few days of choir, I met some people that are still my best friends today. I joined show choir that year as well. Doing that helped my to break out of my shell a little bit and it showed me that I liked to perform. I started hanging around my choir director more, and he began to show a special interest in me. He saw that I had talent that I was unaware I had. Between him and another choir director at school, they showed me that I was talented and that I had a passion for music and performing. Over the years, they spent many long hours with me helping me to practice and learn more about music. Throughout my choir career, I was fortunate to win multiple different awards, even state level awards. I credit all of those to my choir directors. Without their support and passion for teaching students, I would not have been able to achieve what I did. My time spent in choir are some of the best memories that I have of high school. The arts in schools are so very important for young students because it helps them to see so many different perspectives in life. I believe that the arts are just as important as any other core curriculum. Amanda Larson City: Forest City Occupation: unemployed Testimonial: It has made me a much more social person. Music and being able to play an instrument has taken me places I never thought I’d be able to go. This summer I took a trip with the Iowa Ambassadors of Music in a two week trip around 7 different countries in Europe. I made so many friends that I will have for a lifetime because of a connection through music. Being able to learn and play an instrument as brought me so much confi dence, I’m not that shy, quite girl anymore. I’m able to talk to anybody, wether it’s about or through music or not I’m a much better person because of picking up and learning how to play. Jackson

Page 52 Jasper Alison C Grier City: Newton Occupation: teacher Testimonial: I was a debater in high school and that was an invaluable experience. I made life long friends in other schools, I gained a ton of self confi dence, I learned to speak in front of a group without fear and I learned to research and write. I use those skills everyday. I was also able to get more out of college because of this background. And, I have been able to take more leadership roles in my school district because of my debate training. I also participated in music and drama in junior high. Michelle Banwell City: Newton Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: Fine arts education has impacted my life a great deal, as it is my life and defi nes who I am. Music and Visual/Spatial are two out of nine intelligences in Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and since an early age, music especially has been an area in which I have excelled and gained great benefi ts from. I truly believe the fi ne arts shapes our students’ minds in the school setting and provides an outlet for creativity and emotion. Playing music utilizes the right and left sides of the brain simultaneously. There are countless other facts about the benefi ts of music and the fi ne arts; this is what music and the fi ne arts have done for me. I have been a music teacher for nine years serving in many capacities. I have been a high school and middle school choir director, high school band director, have taught 5-12 band lessons, K-1st grade general music, K-12 grade private piano students, and also currently direct the adult and children’s music at my family’s church. I marched with the Dubuque Colts Drum and Bugle Corps for six years (1998-2003) where I met my husband. The Drum and Bugle Corps experience was phenomenal as we traveled across the United States performing for thousands of people. My life and the lives of others throughout the country would not be what they are today without the fi ne arts education received in Iowa’s schools. My experiences have been fun and extremely educational. I learned the skills and concepts of problem solving, fractions, formulas, and critical thinking. Music helped me connect more to reading as there are similar skills in decoding syntax and interpreting music. Learning to read the symbols in music notation is also similar to learning a foreign language, and music notation is the same throughout the world. So essentially I learned a “world” language. High school physics instruction on sound waves was greatly enhanced and memorable through the use of instruments and how the voice works. Through the fi ne arts I have gained a better perspective of world cultures, history, reading, math, science, and most importantly developed the skills to apply my knowledge in many different situations. In addition to the academic benefi ts, my fi ne arts experiences have helped me better relate to others and aught me the importance of hard work and discipline. Because of this hard work and discipline I have obtained a BA in Music Education from Central College, a MA in Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership from Buena Vista University, and am currently working towards a MA in Educational Administration from Iowa State University. The fi ne arts have provided experience in working with diverse individuals to achieve a common goal. These experiences have proven invaluable in working with students, community members, parents, and colleagues. Thank you for taking the time to read what the fi ne arts mean to me and how I believe they have shaped my life. It is a very brief synopsis, but I am very passionate about the fi ne arts and believe they can make life better for our Iowa students and provide skills they can use for the 21st century; critical thinking, creativity, innovation, collaboration, problem solving, and communication. McKenna Heisdorffer City: Newton Occupation: Band Drum Major and High School Student Testimonial: Music has left a lasting impression in my life. Music is just a different form of a sport. You still

Page 53 have to learn how to work with each other. It’s evident in the success of a marching band, concert band, chorus, play production... etc. Not only are different grade levels put together, there are many different groups of kids that participate because they all share one common thing. They have a love for the way music has effected them. The variety of people in music classes is very diverse. You become friends, and learn lessons from people grade levels above you. Music instructors are like coaches, they are there when you need someone to talk to, they push you to your limits, and encourage you like no other subject teacher has the opportunity to do. Because of the dedication of music teachers, students with no athletic abilities feel like they’re on a team. One that works together, win’s together, loses together, and strives to become better together. Looking at the musicality side, playing music teaches you how to listen to eachother. One instrument cannot just choose to play as loud as they want. They learn how to balance their sound within the group, and play as one body. In order to conquer a challenging piece of music, one has to deticate time to practice, or develop a work ethic. Practicing may not be fun, but it’s necessary to improve your skills. Your chair-placement, or rank in a band is also decided based on audition. Sometimes things will work out in your favor, but it depends on how much effort you put into it. When you get to see the list, and someone beat you for a spot, you’ll be disappointed, but it motivates you to overcome, and give all you’ve got. These all convert into life lessons. You learn to work with others, build a work ethic, learn that dedication will help you succeed in life, and that someday, you’ll probably have coworkers that will get a promotion before you. When this happens, a music student won’t be as likely to meltdown, they’ll accept it and push hard to be the best they can be. Music also allows you to escape the current world of research papers, quizes, projects, and fi nals, and enter the world of emotion. When creating rising and falling moments in music while working hand-in-hand with your team, the stresses of school melt away like butter. In drama, you learn that to put together a good show, each person has to do their part, and learn their lines. An unexplainable amount of satisfaction comes out of a great performance. Whether it’s chorus, band, or drama; getting to experience the immediate effects of hard work is a unexplainable feeling. I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for the fi ne arts programs in my school. I genuinely feel that every student should be apart of these life-changing programs. Lauren Henderson City: Newton Occupation: Full Time College Student Testimonial: Fine arts have impacted me more than any other aspect of my life. Not only has it taught me discipline and work ethic, it has taught me to be confi dent in my own skin and to embrace who I am. When you work in a theater, you learn that not everyone is a great actor, but those people might be amazing technicians or make up artists. Everyone is good at something and everyone deserves the same amount of respect. The minor roles are just as important as the lead roles and the light technicians are just as important as the guy who opens the curtain. Without any of these people, the performance wouldn’t work. Choir and band have taught me that even though you are in a big group of people, it is essential that every person tries their hardest and doesn’t depend on others to pick up the slack. They have also taught me leadership. When you understand something that others don’t, it’s your responsibility to, in a respectful manner, help them to understand. You don’t berate them for not getting it, you put it into words that they would understand. I have been involved in choir, band and theater for as long as I can remember. All of these clubs and organizations have taught me things that no math or history class ever could. They have taught me social skills, communication skills, and most importantly, respect for those around me.

Johnson Allison Offerman City: Coralville Occupation: Graduate student Testimonial: When I was two years old, I was involved in an accident that left me with 19% third degree burns on

Page 54 my arms, hands, and palms. The doctors said I would never function in society and become socially disabled. As a form of therapy, my mother enrolled me in piano lessons. This allowed my hands to stretch and open to allow full range of motion. Soon after I picked up the clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and was on the color guard. Not only did music help me physically stretch, but it was an outlet for me to express my anger and insecurities to my family. Currently, I am a doctoral student in oboe performance at the U of Iowa and plan to use my education to help college students develop and evolve their own musical abiliites. Kathryn Milster City: Iowa City Occupation: Visual Arts Instructor, grades 7-12 Testimonial: Art has BEEN my life for over 60 years. There is nothing more that I would rather do than to teach young people all the knowledge I have acquired throughout the years. I have former students who are now in their 50s who remain in contact with me who have become professional artists themselves. I share in groups online, and constantly take art continuing education classes offered in the Amanas. I have traveled extensively just to learn more about artists, to see famous works of art, and to be able to share my experiences with students upon return. I have been a professional graphic artist for the U.S. Navy, and have taught grades K-college level. Life would be lost for me and my students without it.

Sheila Raim City: Oxford Occupation: Music Educator/Teacher Testimonial: Not only has it added great enjoyment to my life, music is my livelihood. The fi ne arts are at the core of almost everything I do on a daily basis. I am deeply indebted to the fi ne music educators from Kindergarten to college who have so signifi cantly impacted all that I have become. I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to share what I have learned with others, to pass on to the next generations the beauty that has made my life so rich.

Robert E Engel City: Iowa City Occupation: Dean, College of Education, University of Iowa (retired) Testimonial: I encourage you to support an addition to the Iowa Code of Education to require opportunities for tudents, K-12, to experience education in the fi ne or expressive arts. Communication and relationships between people require two avenues of expression: the rational (cognitive) and the emotional (affective). As you know from personal experience, and as this letter illustrates, not all important “messages” can be expressed in a formal manner. They also ideally need to be “illustrated.” Many of our deepest feelings and messages, both sent and received, are in the form of feelings expressed by music, visual arts, dance, theatre, poetry, verbal illustrations and examples, and the wider appreciation for super-rational forms of expression. The so-called fi ne arts allow even those of us who are not sophisticated in the knowledge of the expressive arts to develop emotive abilities that make us more effective communicators. Neglect of the expressive arts as tools of communication is like leaving the fl avor out of food. As you consider the importance of the expressive arts in your personal life, the role they played in your K-12 experience, and the ways in which they continue to infl uence your life, I urge you to support their inclusion in the Iowa Code of Education Nancy C. Wombacher City: Iowa City, IA Occupation: Retired Univ. of Iowa administrator Testimonial: I played in the school band from 5th grade through high school, put the cornet away for 40 years

Page 55 during college, career & family years. I retired about 20 years ago from an immensely satisfying and busy career in administration. I discovered the Iowa City New Horizons Band, directed then by Prof. Don Coffman (U of I Music faculty), a participatory music program for “seniors.” Through this fantastic program, I have gotten back into playing with ensembles and bands here in Iowa, at many New Horizons camps all over the world, and regularly with New Horizons bands all over the US when we travel. I have met new friends from all over the world and have developed the lungs of a 17 year old (I turned 77 this year). This involvement in making music with friends (old and new) has been (and continues to be) a replacement for pills and ills. It helps us cope with unfortunate diagnoses, the loss of friends & family, and gives us hope that even the unpleasant happenings in our world might come to an end. There are SO many proven ways that music has important positive impacts on our lives; instead of reducing support, our government would do well to advocate for increasing the resources to this positive and vital activity.

Lydia Raim City: North Liberty Occupation: College Student Testimonial: Fine arts classes were the only classes I took in high school that provided me with leadership opportunities. I was fortunate enough to lead many sectionals, lead small ensemble rehearsals, and give students private lessons. All of these opportunities made me the person I am today. I am studying to be a music educator right now and could not be more thankful for these experiences. I truly believe that if I wasn’t planning on teaching music later on in life, I still would have been thankful. Leadership skills are skills that you can transfer to any other situation. Fine arts classes are the only classes where they are actually preparing the students to be our future leaders!

Katey Kooi City: Tiffi n Occupation: Music Therapist Testimonial: I was very active in all areas of fi ne arts throughout middle and high school. It was through my instruction and through various camps and impactful teachers, I sought a career as a music therapist. I would have never been able to do the work I am doing without such a solid foundation of music offered to me as part of my public education. Now because of this, I watch lives change as I sing to hospice patients while they are in their few last days of life. I watch kids learn as I work with students who have disabilities succeeding through the help of music therapy; utilizing speech and learning academic concepts in ways that no one thought possible. In my personal life, I have traveled the world because of my upbringing in music. In high school I went places like Seattle, Vancouver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington D.C., and Orlando. In college, due to many scholarships largely based on my musical ability, I traveled to Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. There is no doubt in my life my world would be radically different if I had never experienced music in the school. Please keep fi ne arts a high priority in Iowa’s education. I truly owe my life to the teachers I had in these classes and ensembles.

Catherine Miller City: Coralville Occupation: Director/VP Testimonial: Music has been, and continues to be, a life-changing infl uence on my life. As a young girl, I was insecure and shy to the point of being withdrawn. I started to play the fl ute in 5th grade, and eventually became fi rst fl ute in both my high school (Dubuque Hempstead) and college bands (University of Iowa as a music major). I credit music with providing me the discipline, drive and

Page 56 confi dence necessary to succeed. I would not be who I am today without that experience, and music continues to bring me joy and an outlet for expression.

Donna Angell City: Iowa City Occupation: Retired High School Band Director Testimonial: The Fine arts impacted my life long before I had a clue about the concept of “fi ne arts”. Somewhere in grade school a classroom teacher told me I had a real talent for drawing - I guess I thought that was nice but my interests were playing baseball with the boys in my class and riding my bike all over and escaping from my little sister. I also took piano lessons and started playing the fl ute and I hated practicing. Junior High brought new interests - my band director said I might become a good musician, my piano teacher said I might become a good musician, I became the accompanist for the Junior High Choir (after my vocal tryouts) and my interests were still playing baseball, bike riding and now running. Then High School - some changes: I didn’t get to play baseball with the boys anymore, biking riding wasn’t so cool, however I did try out for the choir and once more became the accompanist. I still ran all over, just because I enjoyed it, there was no track team. An English teacher sent a poem I wrote to a national poetry journal and it was published, how nice, but I wanted to play basketball (no girls team). I played the fl ute and piano and read and wrote but those weren’t my interests, they were just things that I did. If anyone had asked me if I had an interest in fi ne arts I’m sure I would have said no - I had no concept of the “fi ne arts”, it certainly didn’t have anything to do with my life. Then college and much studying and working and also taking fl ute lessons with a great teacher, Betty Bang, playing in the University band under Fred Ebbs and orchestra under James Dixon. I still didn’t thinks about the “fi ne arts” but I was learning so much about the arts. Then I graduated and had to actually do something and so became a band director. And all of those things I had just been doing from grade school on suddenly were very important and eventually I discovered the WERE the “fi ne arts”. Who knew! Now I understand why I enjoy and can sometimes even participate in visual arts, drama, dance and all things called “fi ne arts” and what they mean to other areas of life such as the “stem” fi elds. Many things are just facts and statistics, basically meaningless without context. Those things called “fi ne arts” give us the ability to take “stuff” things and turn them into meaningful things such as buildings, parks, literature, music, visual art, even wonderful media such as great newspapers and magazines and movies and, yes, some TV shows and U Tube and all things computer related. The list is endless but we must remember that all of these things began with a vision which whether we know it or not, starts with one or all of those concepts called “fi ne arts” - imagination and creativity. My life has been one long dance with the fi ne arts, and most of the time I didn’t know it. Now I do, and I want everyone to be able to see, do and enjoy the same opportunities.

Glorine Berry City: Iowa City Occupation: Retired Testimonial: I grew up in the home of a church organist, so I had music in my life from birth. I began playing the clarinet when I was 9. In high school I played in small groups as well as the band and also sang in small groups and choirs. One of my greatest memories was being chosen for the fl edgling All State Band as it was just beginning the long tradition of excellence it has today. For the last 20 years I have been privileged to play French horn in our local New Horizons Band, an organization for folks over 50. Since I am a widow, the friendships I’ve made through music have been invaluable. My daughters and grandchildren have also had the same school-based opportunities to play instruments as well as singing . I can’t imagine what our lives would have been like if music had not been a part of the academic curriculum. I sincerely believe exposure to all forms of the arts help to develop a more well-rounded person and are equal in importance to every other ingredient in “STEM”. Ideally,

Page 57 I think the term should be “STEA(arts)M. The noted neurologist, Oliver Sacks, has written a book, “Musicophilia” in which he documents the positive effects music has on the brain. Not only for the moment, but lasting a lifetime. I have seen several examples of that personally, and the impact is overwhelming. Now I have great-grandchildren, and my greatest hope for them is to be able to enjoy a life which is enriched by music in the schools, just as it was for me and my family. Terri Larson City: Iowa City Occupation: Realtor Testimonial: By Terri Larson This is a story about Mrs. Lois Welsh, a long time art teacher in the Northwood- Kensett school system. She was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa graduating from The University of Northern Iowa with a BA in art and history, and later earned her master’s at The University of Iowa. Mrs. Welsh made art fun for those of us who couldn’t draw a straight line, and challenged those who could She had a crazy sense of humor, which is required of those who teach the squirrels in Junior High. She had the compassion to work with those who hid in high school art classes because they didn’t fi t the “normal” presentation common in high school hallways. She knew there was a lot of life after high school graduation, and more often than not those who silently suffered in school often blossomed in their own way in their own time. She was an accepting teacher, and worked with you wherever your talents lay. In 8th grade, we spent a lot of time learning the art of calligraphy, and after practicing the alphabet countless times, with real calligraphy pens dipped in ink, we got to select our own verses to write on parchment paper. We then burned the edges, and browned spots on the interior of the paper so our masterpieces looked old. Today, my husband’s masterpiece is ancient, and is framed and hanging on a wall in our home. We are reminded of Mrs. Welsh every time we walk into the room, her wit, wisdom, and laughter still lingering. It’s impossible to calculate the impact a teacher has. There are no tests that can measure a teacher’s compassion, or that a caring glance can help a student make it through another day. For many, school is the safest place, even if you don’t dress or look the same as everyone else. Even though Mrs. Welsh passed away on December 15th, the impression she made on her students through art will live on, with several former students now teaching art and spreading the encouragement Mrs. Welsh embodied to future generations of students. No Child Left Behind tries to quantify a teacher and their abilities, and attempts to classify schools based on test scores. But for the Mrs. Welshes of the world, and there are many, it’s impossible to calculate how invaluable they are in raising the spirits of children, whether they be

Page 58 elementary fi nger painters, junior high squirrels, or high school outsiders. In the Northwood-Kensett system, art appreciation was as much about the instructor as it was about the subject. Many thanks to those who teach. We are indebted to you all. Keokuk Kossuth Maria Arndorfer City: Algona Occupation: child development and human relations Testimonial: Fine arts education has impacted many lives over the years of which our human race have gathered together to experience and feel what comes of it. The fi ne arts are a way of life for many people, without it these people will be limited to the way they can express themselves or fi nd confi dence. It provides many children to fi nd an alternative way to express themselves, and fi nd an appreciation, empathy of the world around them do to the feelings evoked from fi ne arts. It also provides a sense of community, which may or may not be present within the home of that child. Through music, kids fi nd way to express their feelings towards the world through sound. Through dance or theatre, many children experience the physical emotions of a certain play or way of life. The human race is born with feelings, they experience many different things through their feelings. The fi ne arts help develop that sense of feeling towards things around the world positively. Without it children are more inclined to suppress their feelings or emotions, leading to negative results - i.e school shootings.

Lee Jason L Woodley City: Fort Madison Occupation: Educator Testimonial: Growing up I was deeply involved in the fi ne arts at my high school. Spending every moment in the music room, working with my director on our performance and help preparing for our next show. This allowed my leadership qualities to take shape and helped me in my future career. As an educator for 15 years I have seen the powerful impact of a fi ne arts education can have on students, a school and a community. Students expressing themselves thru music, art and theatre is like no other. I know the positive relationships fi ne arts play with academic achievement in our schools and the ability a fi ne arts education plays in shaping our future.

Linn Carly Huhn City: Marion Occupation: Music teacher Testimonial: Music education has forever changed my life: because of involvement in the arts at a young age, I now teach music at an Iowa elementary school. Being surrounded by music-making through performances, concerts, and classes has encouraged my career aspirations. Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, said music education should be available to ALL people. Every single student (all 485 of them!) receive music throughout the week. The opportunity to create music together through singing, playing instruments, movement, reading, writing, and listening is priceless as students are exposed to different cultures, periods in history, and educational topics. Please continue to provide music education to ALL students.

Page 59 Jennifer Tiede City: Marion Occupation: band teacher Testimonial: Music has been a strong force in my life ever since I started taking piano lessons when I was eight years old. Every music teacher I have ever had has given me the gift of music, the opportunity to express myself, the challenge of being challenged, and have showed me great compassion and support through the process. My teachers inspired me to be a music teacher myself, and I cannot express how every day is a true gift to be able to teach music to young individuals. I can see the impact music has on my students everyday, through building friendships, building confi dence, developing leadership and teamwork skills, and being able to express oneself through playing an instrument. Music even brought me to be with my husband, as we shared this gift together through high school, college, and even now we continue to play together.

Jenniffer Dickens City: Cedar Rapids Occupation: Music Studio Coordinator Testimonial: When I was in 4th grade we all got to get on busses to go hear a performance of our city’s orchestra (Orchestra Iowa or then Cedar Rapids Symphony). After I came back I wanted to learn an instrument. I took percussion to start with and varied to trombone when I found out I have relative pitch. I have played the trombone ever since and when I went to college I took piano lessons. I graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids with a BA in piano teaching and performance.I play trombone with several area bands and have been involved in theater in high school and college. I have accompanied children’s choirs. I have seen the difference music and theater can make in schools. I have seen quiet students blossom and learn and grow. With my position as Music Studio Coordinator I have seen a lot of students with special needs becoming involved in music participation. Iowa is known for its education and musicality. I hope we can continue to be so.

Jennie Jochims Crim City: Marion grew up in Des Moines Occupation: Piano Sales Testimonial: Growing up in Windsor Heights, Starting in 1959 I attended Windsor Elem, Merrill Jr high, and graduated from Roosevelt HS class of 1972. No one in my family has music talent so it was SOLELY my music teachers, orchestra opportunities, choir opportunities that IMPACT my life today and will FOR LIFE!!. Mom could tell what mood I was in. Music kept me busy and out of trouble. I never received a head concussion participating in music. Music gave me confi dence and pride. Today I have been selling pianos for over 34 years. Lane Coffman City: Cedar Rapids Occupation: EMT Testimonial: I have never been happier than when I was performing in various fi ne arts programs when I was in high school. Speech and drama classes and competitions have taught me better ways of communicating and have given me the ability to speak to complete strangers without worry. Being in choir and show choir have taught me the importance of working together as a team and listening to one another. In short, I owe who I am today to fi ne arts programs that I had the pleasure of participating in while in high school, without which I would not have gotten as far as I have.

Page 60 Laura Phillips City: Marion Occupation: Music Educator Testimonial: Music has been a part if my life from the very beginning. Playing in the HS band and youth symphony, directing the pep band and Jr. High Band, competing in Young Artists and State Solo were signifi cant ways music gave me a place in my community and also developed critical thinking , analytic, and people skills. I fully believe that the early age exposure to music and dance gave me an expressive outlet that would bring enjoyment to a broad base of my peers and elders, regardless of economic, political, or religious affi liation. I also believe that my dyslectic tendencies and math phobia were overcome, in part, because of the brain exercise that music provided, and the increasing confi dence I gained in problem solving. My children have been raised on music, dance and art, and it had very positive intellectual, social and motivational effect in their lives. Since they, too, were exceptional learners. Jenny Caswell City: Cedar Rapids Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist Testimonial: Many skills that have helped me become a productive citizen and a good, caring human being are due to the music education I received in the public schools. I was involved in the choral program at Kennedy High School (2008 graduate) and participated in choir and show choir. It’s true that these classes helped me become a better worker. These classes taught me to be punctual, to try my hardest, to continually refi ne my work, and to never stop setting goals. However, it is what the arts teach us about humanity that truly makes them invaluable in the schools. I had to learn some really hard life lessons through my participation in choirs. Like sometimes even if you try your hardest, you may not come out on top. And sometimes everything that can possibly go wrong during a show will happen, and you have to keep going as if nothing is wrong. And how to maintain a professional and polite demeanor when interacting with the competition, even if they are disrespectful to you. These are not things that can be taught in the classroom, but they are important lessons that every child deserves to learn. And how else can these lessons be learned than through experience? But the most important reason that the arts should be included in the core curriculum is because of what they teach us about humanity. The arts teach us empathy. They allow us to express our emotions in a healthy way; to cry when a song tugs at your heartstrings, or to sing vigorously when a song is so joyful it makes you want to burst. They allow us to connect with other humans in a way we may not be capable of expressing with words. They teach us that we are all the same no matter who we are or where we come from, because we can all make the same beautiful music or art together. If we want to instill compassion and unity in our children and work towards ending the violence in our schools and communities, it is vital to ensure that the fi ne arts are considered a core part of the curriculum. Anonymous City: Cedar Rapids Occupation: mom Testimonial: Our teenage son has struggled with serious depression for several years, and although we tried everything to help him, it was music that eventually pulled him through. Being part of a supportive and disciplined band program made a tremendous impact on our son’s self-esteem and personal spirit. Making music in a positive manner with other young people, guided by caring and knowledgable teachers, helped to save his life. Chad Sowers City: Marion Occupation: Sales Executive Testimonial: The Fine Arts should be an essential component of every child’s education. STEM education is Page 61 important, but without culture and refi nement, knowledge can be meaningless. I fi rmly believe that fi ne arts education, particularly music, at an early age gives children a developmental advantage. There are numerous studies that show music education and performance at an early age increase a child’s spatial reasoning. This leads to higher understanding and test scores in math, science and language. Music has been a vital part of my life. High school band was a fantastic experience for me in high school. My children started playing piano when they were 4 years old. My daughter is in middle school band and also involved in choir, theater and drama. She is at the top of her class academically and socially and I fi rmly believe this is because of her music and fi ne arts training. The job of our education system is to prepare children to be meaningful contributors to society. Society and culture are intertwined. If we allow children to graduate from school without an in-depth exposure to the Fine Arts we will short-changing their education. Susan Scharnau City: Marion Occupation: actor and teacher Testimonial: Because of the passion and determination of my fi ne arts teachers in school, I learned to collaborate, to work tirelessly toward a shared goal, to articulate a vision and see it through to its realization, to overcome obstacles, to show compassion, to endure disappointment with grace, and to view the world as a hope fi lled place of wonder. The creativity the arts cultivated transferred directly to the problem solving strategies I use daily as an adult and a professional in education and the arts. Artists in Iowa with whom I have worked are curious, multi-talented individuals who seek to better the world in ways unique and generous. They are also archaeologists, factory workers, insurance agents, nurses, sales representatives, photographers, farmers, lawyers, journalists, and engineers. These people know the arts are vital to their communities and volunteer to contribute to local museums, theaters, choirs, and productions. Without these volunteers, the arts scene in Iowa would certainly be less diverse. Arts teachers in Iowa are unsung heroes and I look back in gratitude at Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Sundermann, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Saldana, Mrs. Jensen, Miss Wesbrook, Mrs. Lodge, Mr. Hakanson, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Steele, and Mrs. Reinhart for sacrifi cing their lunch breaks, their evenings, their weekends, and time with their families to share with us the powerful, life long lessons of fi ne arts education. Our eyes were opened and we are forever grateful for their examples of work ethic, acceptance, and encouragement.

Louisa Charles Mausser City: Columbus Junction Occupation: 5 - 12 Band Director Testimonial: Fine Arts, particularly in Louisa County and the Columbus Community School District, has impacted my life in many ways. Particularly, every day I get to see and document the impact music education is having on our counties students and teaching the life skills that carry over to their other classes and activities outside of school. We have great students that have a unique set of challenges, and routinely I watch the school’s music curriculum guide them in a way that is clearly unique to music and the methodology to effective music instruction. We have a great culture of family and team within our organization and I continue to see new students participate in our program to the community culture created through our music education program. Additionally, I music challenge our most advanced students as well as our most challenged equally. There are moments I have to be creative and thoughtful in how to accomplish this task, however, the answer is always within the music curriculum and continually extraordinarily successful. My best dreams could not have dreamt of the impact of music education is having on my life, and I am thrilled it is occurring in Iowa and within Louisa County.

Page 62 Lucas Leah Schmidt City: Chariton Occupation: Band Director Testimonial: Without the fi ne arts in my life, I would have no livelihood. I have been participating in music seriously since I was in 2nd grade and haven’t been able to stop. Music allows me an outlet- and my only wish is to show students how incredibly therapeutic and beautiful music is.

Olivia Andersen City: Chariton Occupation: Student Testimonial: My involvement in our band program has expanded not only my musical ability but also my leadership skills. Working with the underclass men helps me work with students in other areas of school such as FFA. Unlike FFA, band gives me more time to get to know my peers. I will be majoring in agricultural communications, so band has really prepared me for my future all while I can enjoy something I love. Abby Demichelis City: chariton Occupation: fi le clerk Testimonial: This program has boosted my confi dence levels through the roof I have new friends and with all the activities we do I am never bored William Matthew Anderson City: Chariton Occupation: Freshmen Trumpet Player Testimonial: Fine arts has changed my life by encouraging me to go to school for band and marching band. Alexa City: Chariton Occupation: High School girl Testimonial: So in 5th grade we had band try outs and I really did wanted to do band, I remember this very well. I 1st tried out the fl ute and I liked it but I wasn’t sure so I moved on to the clarinet. I couldn’t decide between the 2 so the lady asked me “which one was more fun?” I said the Clairnet. After that we got a paper that told us the meeting time to pick up our instrument but I wasn’t able to go so we had to Order it. Once it came I was so excited I put it together wrong. After we learned some notes we all got together in the big band and played a note together. When I heard that I shirved it was amazing. So life

Page 63 went on and I have ment to many people and learned so much stuff all because of music. I love it so much I mean what would the world be with out music Ya know? It has affected me a lot I have made lots of friends. I Love music

Taylor Sandy City: Chariton Occupation: student Testimonial: I couldn’t imagine my life without music. I can express every emotion I have in my music that I create. When I play my instrument I can just be me and be alone with my thoughts. The music program teaches mental toughness. Lyon Madison Terri Miller City: Winterset Occupation: Social Worker Testimonial: As a child, I was part of the music program at my school. Music has been a signifi cant part of my whole life. While I continue to sing and to play my fl ute whenever possible, my involvement in the fi ne arts activities throughout my school career gave me skills that have enriched my life. Dedication, hard work and discipline are skills that I learned through the arts. These skills have enabled me to grow in my career, to continue to be a life long learner and to be a better person in my community. I’m so thankful for Mrs. Good, Mrs. Dasher, Mr. Dasher, Mr. Kuentzel and Mr. Leslie. My life is better because of them. Molly Clark City: Winterset Occupation: retired principal Testimonial: In bulleted form: - Self-discipline and achievement through practice - Self-confi dence through performance - Life-long friendship with the other duet player my teacher lined up - Knowledge of different genres - Way to mix when changing schools - Way to meet new friends when an AFS student in Holland - Reinforced math skills with fractions - Allowed me to interact with my students when I accompanied them for contest when I was a principal - An intellectual and emotional and social undertaking!

Jenette Follmer City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: Theatre and drama have been very infl uential in my life thus far. Through performing on stage and in competitions, I have learned self confi dence and gained a public speaking ability that will be nvaluable later in life. I greatly enjoy the performing arts, and they’ve helped me determine the sort of person I want to be. Rebecca Johnson City: Earlham Occupation: student Testimonial: Going to different band and choir events, I was forced out of my comfort zone of being shy and quiet into being open and outgoing. I was thrust into new situations with new people, each situation having Page 64 new, higher expectations. I grew into the person that I am today because of this. I know that I will continue to grow and change, and music will always be a source of growth and change in my life. I meet new people. I do new things. I discover new things about myself. I only hope that, one day, I can help people to fl ourish through the very thing that helped me to fl ourish: music. Olivia City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have more confi dence and a better sense of focus and purpose since being involved with music and drama. Kari City: Earlham, Iowa Occupation: Choir Testimonial: It has impacted my life by helping me gain more knowledge in the music industry and it has helped me to become a better singer. Sarah Boston City: Earlham IA Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has helped me with situations in my life. It has been there for all different types of stuff. No matter how bad or great the situation is it has alway been there!

Lauren City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music, drama, and theater have helped me to be more confi dent. Alexa City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has gotten me to become more confi dent on stage all in music, drama, and theatre.

Karolyn Anderson City: Earlham Occupation: High School Student Testimonial: It’s impacted my life by helping to teach me the correct and more mature way to sing and to draw as well. Caitlyn Cox City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts have impacted my life because now I can sing, dance, and draw in correct, formal ways. I have the knowledge I need to be successful in any of these majors if I choose. Page 65 Grant Becker City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine Arts has become a huge part of my life. I’ve gone from hating elementary general music to being involved in Concert, Marching, Jazz, and Pep Bands, Saxophone Choirs, Vocal Choir, and lead role in this fall’s play. I’ve gone from believing I’d do something in life that didn’t at all relate to music to thinking I might actually minor in it someday.

Catherine Barber City: Earlham Occupation: student Testimonial: Fine arts has allowed me to be myself and to come out of my shell. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have got through choir and drama. I don’t feel as shy as I did before choir and drama. I’m not afraid to let my voice and actions shine. I have also learned that with hard work you can achieve what you want. Practice may not be fun, but the result is priceless.

Kaylie Johnson City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have a greater appreciation for music now, and it is able to calm me down when I am upset. Sadie Waldron City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has made me change my mind about what I would like to do in the future, provided me with new friends and experiences, and it has taught me a lot about how music inspires people to make differences in the world. Rachel Follmer City: Earlham Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music is something that I use to express myself, along with dancing. These things are ways of escape for me, and I can’t imagine life without them. I am not so much of a visual arts person myself as far as creating it, but I love to be able to enjoy other people’s art. Drama and theatre have been infl uential with IHSSA and I love to be able to express myself through these.

Mahaska Matthew McLellan City: Oskaloosa Occupation: student Testimonial: Music taught me discipline and an appreciation for beauty. From a young age I began learning piano. As a child that struggled to care about school, music taught me to work to get things right and not give up. At fi rst a piece would seem impossible, but with practice I would achieve my goal. This skill is absolutely essential to how I live my everyday life. Music also taught me to work towards making Page 66 something beautiful. I am a happier person because I have been taught to both make beautiful music and appreciate beauty in all forms. Although music may take away time from math, science, and reading, it is worthwhile because it instills discipline, and an appreciation for aesthetics that benefi ts a person for their whole life.

Marion Michael Kosiek City: Carlisle Occupation: High School Band Teacher Testimonial: It gave me an opportunity to teach something I love and am passionate about to other people. I get to share this love with hundreds of students every day, and it never feels like work. It has been something that has always been a part of my life and I couldn’t imagine my life without the fi ne arts.

Marshall Jacob Barker City: Marshalltown Occupation: K-4 General Music Teacher, Conductor, and Vocalist Testimonial: The fi ne arts have largely defi ned my life. Participation in general music, band, chorus, piano lessons, percussion lessons, voice lessons, show choir, jazz choir, and jazz band, as well as drama productions in high school shaped me as a performer, musician, and thinker. I learned to collaborate. I learned to pull my own weight. I learned to lead. I learned to follow. I learned to think critically about so many things. I was connecting knowledge from my past, knowledge from my schooling, and applying it through music, whether it be with mathematical concepts, reading, history, science, and so much more. Without these very import classes, I would not be the critical thinker I am today. Without a doubt my chosen profession, music education was greatly benefi tted by my arts instruction, but it helps people in so many ways. There have been many studies, even generated this year that document the real positive affect if arts eduction on the whole child, and to leave the arts out of the core is to do all of our children a major, and disastrous diservice.

Mills Peter C. Jacobus City: Glenwood Occupation: Instrumental Music Instructor Testimonial: I have been a Band Director for 43 years. My whole life is centered on the Fine Arts, and helping students fi nd their own passion for music. I have been enriched by the excitement on the faces of my students when they perform at a high level of expertise. I cannot imagine a world without the fi ne Arts in the schools, and I feel it is imperative that it be included in the Iowa Core. What we teach and how we teach it is central to well-rounded adults in our society. Sally Dunn City: Glenwood Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: As a choir director, my career would not be possible without the quality music instruction I received in my public school education. I knew I would be a music teacher by the time I was a junior in high school. If this path had not been made available to me, I have no idea what I would be doing now - I truly love my job. In addition to learning how to read and perform music, being a part of my public school fi ne arts programs (choir, band, drama, speech) opened my mind beyond my small rural

Page 67 community and allowed me to see a bigger world through participating in and attending performances. Because fi ne arts continues to be a part of public education, I am able to use what I love to inspire creativity, teamwork, music, and a variety of other skills in my students. Jennifer Lewis City: Glenwood Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: Made me more well rounded. More appreciative of the arts. Mitchell Jeff Kirkpatrick City: Osage Occupation: Band Director Testimonial: As a music educator I have seen the impact music has had on many students lives. To see students transformed by music, to help them become more human, to look at life and appreciate beauty, is fantastic. Many of my students will no longer play instruments following high school, that is not the primary goal of music education. They will, however, understand and appreciate the fi ner things in life and value the friendships and relationships they have made. They will have learned to become life- long learners. This will be a positive impact on the rest of their lives.

Monona Laura Hartman City: Onawa Occupation: 5-12 Instrumental Music Teacher Testimonial: Since I chose music education as my career, I feel the music teachers in my youth had a huge impact on my life. They instilled in me the need to share the love of music by becoming a teacher. Yes, they taught me, but they also encouraged me, befriended me, and pushed me to be the best that I could be. I have become lifelong friends with them. If it wasn’t for music, I don’t know what I would be doing with my life. I had a day recently where I had fi ve small rehearsals in four hours at my church! It was a variety of roles - from instrumental to vocal - from directing to participating to being the one who arranged the music for the ensemble. Performing and directing music gives me a way to express myself. Not everyone gets a chance to do that in life, nor wants to on a daily basis. I enjoy it and am so glad I was wonderfully impacted by music education in my life. I know I can take music with me all of my years.

Monroe Kim George City: Albia Occupation: Educator Testimonial: When I was a child, my fi rst and most meaningful art experiences happened when I painted or sewed or drew with my Nana. She gave me such an important gift, one which would later shape my career and what I thought I could contribute to this world. I have been lucky enough to witness such masterful work as Michaelangelo’s David and da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but there are often times when I am equally inspired by the child who diligently and joyfully works in the classroom to create something that is totally new, that is of his or her own mind and unique experiences. I think that it is a basic human need to be able to express and distinguish oneself, and that the arts provide the perfect opportunities to do so.

Page 68 Muscatine Vonda Ludke City: Muscatine Occupation: Property Manager Testimonial: Visual arts in various forms give me a creative outlet. I so enjoy seeing a completed project. I don’t excel at any one but love to take classes and tinker at many different things! It makes life happy!

O’Brien Cliff St. Clair City: Sheldon Occupation: Band Director Testimonial: As a youngster I was an average student that didn’t care much in details; a “B” grade was good enough. In the 7th grade I earned the lowest grade of my life in Band, which was a D. As an 8th grader I was “retained” in the 7th Grade Band and decided I needed to improve. As I learned to perform precise rhythms and pitches and the exacting requirements to perform music well, I also began to care about the details in my other classes, which helped my grades improve. The “aesthetic experience” while performing great music became my reason to go to school and then pursue music as a career. The desire to guide others to that same experience became my motivation for becoming a Band Director. While I cannot prove through science that music made me smarter, though I’ve read evidence that it does, I know that it taught me how to be successful in almost everything I do.

Osceola Kelcey Schroder City: SIbley Occupation: Photographer Testimonial: I do not even know where to begin with how my life would not be the same without music, visual arts, drama, theatre, and dance. I would be an empty vessel. I was involved with all of these passionately throughout high school in Iowa, and continue to be. Fine Arts has given me the confi dence to speak up, to listen to others, to be creative, take risks, believe in myself, and go against the norm to what I believe is right. I have the strength to carry myself, but also the compassion to help others. I own my photography studio in Sibley after obtaining a BA in Photography, and I teach classes to young kids about photography, hoping to instill the same values I’ve gained into them at a young age. To be able to express oneself creatively, passionately, and the ability to carry oneself as an artist, but also be able to collaborate to achieve a goal is the most satisfying experience. It’s powerful. Fine Arts are powerful. They move people, they move yourself, the move you to places into your mind. I am an artist, I will always be, and people gravitate to it, feed off of it, and are inspired by it. It’s a beautiful power to have, and I’m thankful for that everyday. Shanise Brockshus City: Sibley Occupation: 7-12 Visual Arts Educator Testimonial: As a student who loved school and was fairly successful academically, I found my fi ne arts classes to be the challenge I needed during my high school years. As a visual arts educator, I strive to create a classroom environment in which all my students feel challenged and engaged. I have an eclectic group of students in my classroom, athletes, academics, fi ne arts kids etc. What is truly amazing is they create their own little community, “clique”, of art students in which everyone is included and

Page 69 encouraged for success. The fi ne arts is one area in which everyone can participate and belong. I encourage all my students to take full advantage of the fi ne arts in our schools. Because of their involvement, I see students engaged in their learning and making an effort to succeed academically so they can continue to participate. The skills we teach in the fi ne arts provide opportunities for students to apply and use for a lifetime. Page Palo Alto Plymouth Levi Rowe City: LeMars Occupation: Full Time Student at Morningside College Testimonial: If I wasn’t involved in music, I probably wouldn’t be here. Music has always been a big part of my life. Now I am in a Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, and a Vocal Music Education Major at Morningside College.

Polk Janet Hoch City: Johnston Occupation: Business Owner Testimonial: My daughter and son both greatly love the arts. We are a dancing and music family as we have our weekly dance contest. We frequent the Childrens Theatre in Des Moines as well as the DM Civic Center Childrens productions each year. My children have grown fascinated with the inner workings of theatre and my daughter is now creating her own songs. She sings all around the house. We are fans of the arts and will always be! Stephen Beaman City: Johnston Occupation: Student -5th grade Testimonial: I enjoy band. It gives me something productive to do and I like the songs that we play. It is fun and a good use of my time. Thank you for having band at my school. Kendra Leisinger City: Ankeny Occupation: General music teacher Testimonial: Music education has both transformed and given purpose to my lives. From piano lessons in third grade to fl ute and viola lessons in fi fth grade, music education changed my life forever. I was a member of orchestra, band and choir throughout high school and performed on viola in the 1983 All-State Orchestra. I received a scholarship to college on my fl ute and toured Europe with the 1985 Wartburg College Band. I have taught general music to children in kindergarten through fi fth grade for twenty-fi ve years and it has been the calling of my life. Through music education I have gained knowledge, celebrated life, shared joy with students, received countless blessings both fi nancially and spiritually and never, ever regretted my choice of career or involvement with music education. I know without a doubt that I am making the world a better place every single day. Every student deserves a fi ne music education and I am honored and pleased to be a part of it.

Page 70 Shalina Wallace City: Des Moines Occupation: Music Teacher Testimonial: To make a long story very short...I grew up in a home where neither of my parents graduated from the 9th grade... My initial lot in life was not glorious. I wasn’t dealt with the best of cards...in my family, graduating high school was the ultimate success with local minimum wage jobs as the future. I refused to accept that reality myself, but believe me, even though I wanted out, I didn’t have the tools and necessary support to do it on my own. With music, my seemingly weak hand in life resulted in a win. With my instrument and encouragement from my band director, I earned a partial scholarship to attend Drake University as a Music Education major. Later, I earned a full scholarship to attend Hawaii Pacifi c University for a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I then taught music in Honolulu, Hawaii for four years and am back in Des Moines teaching music in Des Moines Public Schools. So, as a very poor girl with no real prospects in life, I ended up earning a Master’s Degree in Hawaii, currently teach the best subject in the world, and have the ability to travel the world and teach if I so desire--all because I picked up a fl ute in the 5th grade and an oboe in 9th grade and stuck with it. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in ways that music education has impacted my life... Lisa Tekippe City: Urbandale Occupation: K-8 Vocal Music Teacher Testimonial: From a young age, being involved in music has been a major part of my life. I loved it so much, I decided to make a career out of it. I know I wouldn’t have come to that decision without the ability to be involved in multiple music ensembles and the drama department in my school. I credit my educational success to music. I wouldn’t have loved school if there were no music or theater options. Now, I spend my time educating young people about music and theater. Everyone can feel success in a music classroom, no matter what their educational background. The arts are important to the development of our children. It gives them skills and experiences they cannot receive in other areas and makes them more well rounded individuals.

Holly Russell City: Urbandale, Iowa Occupation: K-8 Vocal Music Educator Testimonial: I was so lucky to receive an excellent music education in Louisa County at Columbus Community Schools in Columbus Junction, Iowa. I attend Columbus Community from 1986-1998. My music instructors Lee Bucholoz, Steve Helscher, Paul Duncan, Kathy Bell, and Jay Hauenstein are the reason that I am a music teacher today. Without music, I would have not had a way to express myself. I always felt as thought music was an outlet for all the trouble that comes along with growing up. Classmates can be harsh, people can put you down and music helped me express who I was and who I would become. Although I could have been anything I wanted to be as an adult, I am the best thing there is to be, A music educator. My life is a direct effect of the excellent instruction I received in music. Without these men and woman in my life I would not be where I am today and all of my students who’s lives have had the benefi t of a great music education wouldn’t be either. Iowa was a great place to get a music education when I was a kid and it should continue to be today! Approving the Common Core Companion will be an excellent step in acting and showing just how important music is to the state of Iowa. Future leaders in all careers need creativity and a well rounded education to be the best leaders!

Page 71 Jennifer Gervais City: Des Moines Occupation: Music Teacher Testimonial: When I play my instruments or sing, it is like I am talking to God. My best friends are also musicians. Music draws people together. When children are involved in a musical setting, they are part of another family.....a family of musicians. They fi nd that they have something in common with everyone else in their group. Music also allows us to be more “human” and it fosters creative thinking. Music allows me to express myself in ways that no other subject can. I truly feel that through music, I am God’s instrument for bringing people together to create wonderful masterpieces in sound. Kim Knoll City: Urbandale Occupation: Executive Information Technology Recruiter Testimonial: Being involved in a music program was something that gave me confi dence. Having the arts gave me something to look forward to in school, where I excelled. Music taught me about discipline, time management and hard work. We learned to sing in German and Italian, shocking, who knew that a C+ student could easily belt out a song in German? Having that exposure gave me the confi dence, as I branched out into the real world, to know that I was very good at something! I needed to remember that as I sifted through my early years looking for what has now been my career for 20 years, that I shouldn’t worry about stuffi ng my round peg into a square hole. I credit the arts with teaching me about commitment, time management, having a positive attitude as well as an open mind, and how to be part of a team as well as perform as an individual. Many great attributes that serve you well in adulthood. So, on top of just giving me something that brightened my days as a teenager, it gave me a great foundation for adulthood. Lindy A. Pearson City: Clive Occupation: Pharmacist/Sales Testimonial: I was the only female in the percussion section in my high school band in Cresco, Iowa which helped give me the confi dence to major in a fi eld that was for many years considered a male dominated area. Further, participating in band, chorus and theatrical productions in elementary/junior high/high school helped in both my college career and my susequent career in sales and public speaking. Pottawattamie Jordyn Stryker City: Council Bluffs Occupation: Elementary Music Teacher Testimonial: As an elementary music teacher, I am able to watch students who struggle in the classroom fi nd success! There are several students that have behavioral problems in the classroom, but when they walk into the music room, they know the correct way to behave! They see music as an outlet - a way to step away from the reality of their crazy hard lives outside of this room. Seeing success in the lives of students like these is the reason I come to work everyday, and the reason I believe in fi ne arts!

Poweshiek Sara McCue City: Grinnell Occupation: music teacher Testimonial: For a long time, I wanted to be a music therapist. I love the way music can heal, even if it is just a Page 72 bad mood. I became a music teacher instead, because I found that I liked sharing the parts of music that I felt my own music teachers missed. And, somehow, I have specialized in Rock and Roll history. When my son was born two years ago, there were severe complications and I almost died. Doctors and prayers did amazing things, and I woke up, very much alive, with James Brown playing from my hospital call button. When my nurse learned that I am a music teacher, she made sure I had music playing. What better way to begin my recovery?

Liz Vergili City: Grinnell Occupation: Musical Instrument Sales Testimonial: I am a musician. The band programs at my middle and high schools impacted my life immeasurably. Music channeled my creative energy to build my confi dence, to connect me to my peers, to learn to work together with others, and to work hard to pursue goals. These are not easy life lessons for a teenager to learn, but they are deeply important. Jon Baumgartner City: Grinnell Occupation: High Performance audio contractor Testimonial: For the past 25 years, my sole livelihood has been building high performance sound systems for schools and churches. If the arts didn’t exist (and without proper public school support, they will diminish terribly), I wouldn’t have a job. Additionally, everyone knows participation in the arts has a positive impact on all social and scholastic skills. I don’t know why this is even a topic of debate. Fund the arts. Sincerely, Jon Baumgartner 1005 Fairfi eld St. Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-990-1622 Dan McCue City: Grinnell, Iowa Occupation: insurance marketing Testimonial: My experiences in the music classroom set me on a path for professional success and personal happiness. As a singer and cellist, I learned how practice prepares me for challenges and how to overcome those challenges. I also learned how posture and body language can project confi dence. Music has also enriched my life. Whether performing on stage, jamming with family and friends, or sitting and listening in the audience, I can appreciate the music I play and hear and the stories it can tell.

Adrian Deines City: Grinnell Occupation: Forecasting & Analytics Manager/John Deere Testimonial: Art education has played an important part in my life and career. Having art education has helped my professional career as a statistician by allowing me to think about and tackle problems in both an analytical and creative way. Identifying what type of statistical analysis is most appropriate for solving a business problem such as how best to understand market potential and industry trends in an emerging market requires creativity in statistical model making, an understanding of other cultures, and the consideration that there can be more than one solution to a problem. All of these skills are learned through art education and in combination with strong mathematical modeling are critical to being successful in my fi eld. Art education has also helped me to package and present advanced analytics in a way that is more

Page 73 Ringgold Alexandra Young City: Mount Ayr Occupation: student Testimonial: Music has inspired me to reach farther than I could ever imagine!

Sac Debra Jill Campbell City: Helena Occupation: Histopathology Technician Testimonial: Fine arts help to create a work-life bakance. My job is very scientifi c, but when I want to reconnect with self, family, and friends I turn to the arts. Going to see performances, exhibits, and reading are a good way to step into another world. Playing an instrument or singing are both great ways for me to relieve stress and reconnect with myself. Also, most of my hobbies are fi ne arts related. Joey Hoefl ing City: Odebolt Occupation: Family Nurse Practitioner Testimonial: Where do I begin? Fine arts has been a part of my life since early elementary years. I received my

Page 74 education from a small community school and I thank God everyday for that. I had teachers that cared about me on a personal level. It was teachers and fi ne arts that taught me to go for the gold. I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Fine arts gave me a balance because it not only stimulated my brain but was a stress reliever. I take my music abilities everywhere I go. I was a trumpet player and was in every musical I could get involved in. I was in a couple of different choirs. I continued my music into college where I was involved in the college choir. My wife and I actually sang to each other at our wedding. Music continues to be part of our daily lives. The fi ne arts have taught us discipline and respect for the fi ne arts.

Linda Johnson City: Odebolt Occupation: High School Vocal Music Educator Testimonial: I can’t imagine my life without music! When my new band director my sophomore year in high school (Dickinson County Iowa) convinced me I could play a second instrument, I was hooked on all the positives that music brings to our lives! When she taught me how to direct (just in case she went into labor!), I was even more convinced that I could do anything because she had that much faith in me! All my favorite memories involve music in some way and if I hadn’t been given those opportunities in school, I’m not really sure where I would be right now. It is my goal to pass on all the goodness the arts can add to our lives - students and audience alike!

Taylor City: Odebolt Occupation: Student Testimonial: I couldn’t imagine not having a music department while I was in school. Music is so important. It’s in everyone’s everyday life. I learned so much throughout the years I was in choir and band. I achieved many goals that I thought were not possible. There were and are so many opportunities as well. The events I attended were the best experiences of my life and I wouldn’t change them for the world. Kay City: Odebolt Occupation: Emergency Room Technician-AEMT Testimonial: I have played the piano for most of my life and am very busy with it still today - as organist for church, as church choir director, as accompaniest for high school choir, as a piano teacher. Playing the piano is my favorite, relaxing, past time and I love hearing my grandchildren sing as I accompany them!! Music brings joy to my heart and to those around me. Because of my music training, I can help others out by accompanying, by playing for weddings and funerals, and by teaching others to play the piano - which is my favorite thing to do!!! Scott Kathy Shepard City: Davenport Occupation: Media Clerk, Mississippi Bend AEA Testimonial: I am a 50+ year old mother who was involved in choir and musicals throughout my high school years and to this date, those memories are some of my most cherished. Music taught me great lessons in life: giving 100%, teamwork, and a love for it, which I was able to pass on to my children. For someone who was not athletic, music brought me the same lifeskills that athletics do for others. At my age, I could not still be playing football or basketball, but I can still sing! Both of my children (now

Page 75 in their 20s) were also involved in choir and showchoir throughout their high school years. They also both played piano and had some exposure to band and orchestra. My son is now a student at Johns Hopkins University and I can tell you that music is still very much a part of his life. He uses it as a stress reliever during his rigorous studies. He’s taught himself guitar, and he is currently working with a member of his baseball team to learn and play a piano/cello Beethoven duet. Music is universal. It brings people together. People from different backgrounds, different countries can all appreciate music. It brings joy where there is no joy. It causes pause and refl ection, it encourages where there is little hope, and it celebrates and brings color to life!! My life would not be the same without it!

Patrick G. Downing City: Davenport Occupation: Piano Sales Consultant at West Music Co. Testimonial: The arts have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. My favorite memories from elementary and junior high school (at Central Lee Community Schools in Donnellson) consist of painting and drawing in art classes, taking piano lessons, learning how to play the saxophone, and learning how to sing harmony in choir. This led to great interest in music and theater in high school, and when it came time to attend college (Western Illinois University), I knew I wanted to have a professional career in music and the arts. Being actively involved in the arts within the Quad Cities community enriches my life so much that it is very diffi cult to describe in words. I am so grateful for all of the amazing opportunities to meet new people, build incredible relationships with artists, work collaboratively within ensembles, and enrich peoples’ lives with each concert and performance. I strongly urge the Iowa Legislature to support the inclusion of the arts in the Iowa Code of Education.

Lindsay City: Davenport Occupation: Music Therapist Testimonial: Fine arts throughout my years of college impacted me hugely. I learned so much by being involved in choirs and attending many many performances including singers, musicians, dancers and actors. Through all of this, I was equipped for a career which involves music every day. I see fi rst hand how music and fi ne arts impacts people of all ages - from a child with autism learning to play piano to an older adult in their last hours on earth. I believe fi ne arts were created and are still inspired by the ultimate Fine Artist, Jesus Christ Himself. Jorge Rodriguez City: Bettendorf Occupation: Human Resource Testimonial: Fine arts education has added depth and color to my life. From 1970s songs that take me back to way back when, to listening to the UNI Panther Marching Band play “It’s all about the bass” last Saturday, music has given me insight into how others experience the world and what they make out of this crazy ride called life, while having some fun too.

Story Andrei Migunov City: Ames Occupation: Software Developer Testimonial: My high school career can be summed up as barreling through a series of extremely easy classes fi lled with subject matter that was not going to carry on into to real life (besides intro. calculus and a few

Page 76 others here and there). I was involved in extracurriculars, but theater (namely, speech contest) was by far the most important. Those skills and that appreciation for emotiveness and expression and unique communication have done more for me than I will ever be able to say. Brad Tibben City: Nevada Occupation: CAD Drafter/Designer Testimonial: I have used Music (Composition, performance, and listening) through the years to increase my creativity to help develop new products. I have used it to reduce stress and increase lung capacity. I still use it to be a social network of like minded people across all demographics, age, sexual orientation, politics, and race. Bob Palmer City: Nevada Occupation: Teacher Testimonial: I grew up as an introvert in a single parent household. The band program in Norwalk Iowa, directed by Terry Hanzlik, became exactly what I needed to be successful in that part of my life. I gained a stern but loving father fi gure, became socially active, and was part of a group that encouraged everyone to keep their grades up and seek excellence in all things. Caleb Litster City: Ames Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have been involved in band since 5th grade and have also taken piano lessons for 7 years. Participating in these things has helped me learn discipline and develop self-motivation, while having fun at the same time and developing talents I didn’t even know I had. Music is a wonderful thing and having good directors who can teach me how to perform a piece well gives me the opportunity to give the gift of music to others. I love listening to music and expressing myself through it, and greatly appreciate all the support given to keep music a part. Russ Hoffman City: Ames Occupation: ISU Faculty Testimonial: The arts have impacted our lives in a very positive way! As a child I was in band 5th-12th grades and came away with an appreciation for music, and was given opportunities for personal growth and discovery as a band member that simply would not have occurred otherwise. Further, I found a passion in photography that still burns today. I have personally buoyed up my local economy through purchases related to photography gear and travel! My wife has also long enjoyed drawing and singing and appreciates the arts as much if not more than me. Today, our youngest child is in the high school band, chorus, and theater, she draws, paints, plays piano, and dabbles in photography, so it’s a non- stop art at our house - talk about supporting our local economy!!! She also participates in AP and honors courses and studies German but that’s the proud dad talking. The bottom line is, without the fi ne arts our world would be considerably different and void of much of the joy and happiness we derive from the simple pleasures we’ve gleaned over the years from art related projects. Max Guyll City: Nevada Occupation: Associate Professor Testimonial: Watching plays with my family encourages us to discuss with each other not only the characters’

Page 77 motivations, but also the playwright’s larger message. This gives us the opportunity to consider other points of view that we might not encounter in our day to day life. Further, it challenges us to examine our own views and biases, and hopefully leads us to become more understanding of others. Leanne & Leanne Lauber City: Ames IA Occupation: Assistant Manager/Buyer Testimonial: I am writing with an example, on behalf of our daughter... as a youngster (through age 5) she was so shy that she would burst into tears if anyone spoke to her... including her grandparents. We are not an extremely social family, but she was brought up in a very outgoing environment... so we were shocked to see this happen. When she was in 4th grade she came home and announced that she wanted to be in orchestra because she couldn’t be in band and play the saxophone til the next year. We purchased her a viola... and she loved it (and continues to play). The next year we purchased a saxophone (thank goodness that was an instrument that she tested well on). She took to it like a duck to water... In 8th grade she stood up in front of an auditorium full of people and played a featured song solo... it was amazing, and left us speechless. A girl who cried at strangers, playing an amazing song in front of a room full of them. This is her passion, but she continues to play her viola, and loves her art classes, and is always creating something out of nothing. We have taken her to Iowa State concerts and she is already planning to be in the marching band (she is a freshman in high school) Our oldest child was never in band, but was with them constantly as all of his friends were... he was the band geek that wasn’t, and loved sports. Our middle son was in band for 3 years before other things took his notice. We have always enjoyed the concerts, competitions, and seeing the kids (children of our friends as well) grow up and change through the years. We grew up involved in the arts (my husband in band, myself in visual arts) and it truly gives us pleasure to watch the development of our kids doing the same thing.... you don’t get this kind of appreciation through sports, similar, but not the same. There is a history associated with fi ne arts that goes back centuries that can still be used to learn from today, and it is important to have that opportunity for any child that wants it. Michelle Hu City: Ames Occupation: High School Student Testimonial: Fine arts does a lot for me - not only is it something that I can enjoy every day, it relaxes me, it allows me to meet and discover other people, it also increases my cognitive abilities, like memorization. Ana DiSpirito City: Ames Occupation: Student, sophmore Testimonial: Ever since I got serious about clarinet, I’ve always had something to strive for. I connected with so many people of different grades and cities through my hobby, and there’s always something to work on. Having music be a part of my life everyday gives my life purpose. It gave me confi dence, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it.

Kristen Constant City: Ames Occupation: Professor Testimonial: My sons’ educations (all three of them) have been greatly enhanced by fi ne arts. All three participated in orchestra and in band with varying degrees of involvement, including concert band, symphonic band, jazz band, pep band and various competitions and activities related to music. I strongly believe that their academic achievements (in other areas, including math and science) were greatly enhanced by their involvement with music. Additionally, two of my sons have been very involved in the visual Page 78 arts. My middle son is currently in the school of fi ne arts at Carnegie Mellon University. His interest and preparation were strengthened by art classes in high school. He received multiple honors including fi rst in All-State art due in signifi cant part to the support and encouragement in high school. While my sons’ involvement in the arts has greatly enriched their education, it has also enriched the lives of our entire extended family.

Joel Schoening City: Cambridge Occupation: Full-time college student Testimonial: I didn’t really have a lot of friends, nor did I really fi t in. I didn’t know what to do with my life because I was god awful at sports. I had nothing to busy myself with. I joined band and gained more friends, then I joined choir, realized that music was what I was meant to do. By the end of my senior year of high school, I was in virtually every musical ensemble that my high school offered. I had plenty of friends, many of them underclassmen, along with a gained respect from my classmates. Music gave me something to express myself with, while also sharing experiences with people and building relationships. I am now in college studying to be a music teacher and to someday share that feeling and experience with my students.

Mike Lazere City: Ames Occupation: High school teacher Testimonial: I have seen how fi ne arts have given my daughter opportunities to grow in confi dence, expand her horizons, and fi nd her unique “voice”. Some of this has happened in school programs, but much has also happened because we have been able to afford extra-curricular activities. As a father and a teacher, I want to see all children have the opportunity to fi nd their voices through the arts, regardless of their family income. Maria Anderson City: Ames Occupation: Student Testimonial: Through theatre I’ve learned to express myself and accept myself for who I am. I’ve also met some of the most amazing people I know through theatre. Malkan Santiago City: Ames Occupation: High School Student Testimonial: Music is really fun to play and has motivated me to put effort into something. It has motivated me to get a job to pay for private lessons to become a better player. Paying music with your friends is super fun and it’s cool to hear how the song comes together as you practice it. Sarah Shen City: Ames Occupation: Student Testimonial: No song comes without a story. Not every person can realize its story. Through theater, dance, and fi gure skating, I felt as if I were chosen to interpret a song’s story for the world to see. I hope that my movements translate to something more than just words. Without people like me the world is dead. Emotions would be jailed and eventually wither.

Page 79 Carlie Dellmann City: Ames Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music educated has impacted my life by allowing me to feel a part of something. I have been privileged to sing in the choir and play in the band throughout my school years. I have also been able to complete my fi ne art requirements doing something that I truly enjoyed. I feel like it has also helped me with my sense of responsibility knowing that I needed to fulfi ll my part so the whole band/choir sounded better. Theresa Pelzer City: Ames Occupation: School Testimonial: I met all my best friends in either band, chorus, or drama. It also taught me to work together and pull through in the end. They also help you socialize with other people that you would otherwise never talk to.

Tama Caitlin Svacina City: Toledo Occupation: Student Testimonial: In high school, I was involved in multiple areas in the fi ne arts, including band, choir, dance, large group speech, individual speech, plays, and musicals. When I was a freshman, I wasn’t very confi dent in myself, was very shy and timid, and was terrifi ed to perform in front of people. I was so afraid to audition for the arts, but because of the support that was given to me by my band, choir, and drama directors, I participated in activities I never thought I would have the confi dence to do. By the time I was a senior, I confi dently played solos, performed at All-state individual speech, and loved every second of it. If I hadn’t been involved in the arts, I would still be afraid to chase my dreams. I have learned how truly important it is to keep playing in life, whether it be playing an instrument, acting, or just trying new things, one must always have the courage to keep being creative. Union Van Buren Wapello Elizabeth Simonson City: Ottumwa Occupation: middle school student (8th grade) Testimonial: I am 13 years old, and I sing, dance, and play fl ute, piccolo, and piano. I have autism, and music as helped me learn. I like playing in a band or singing with my school’s choir because I enjoy making music with my friends. I am in concerts and recitals, and I love to perform. I am proud of myself because I can share music and dance with people that I love. I work hard and practice every day. Music has helped me grow and change and reach out to people. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments brings happiness to my world.

Page 80 Washington Jane Schlabaugh City: Kalona Occupation: Woodworking Testimonial: We have a family business that employs 10 woodworkers who design and make products that are sold to stores and galleries in all 50 states. We sell our products to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco, the Art Institute of Chicago and many others across the U.S.. Without some exposure in our early childhood and through high school, I doubt that this would have been a career for any of us. I recently attended a trade show in Philadelphia and asked some of the younger artists that were exhibiting about how they were exposed to and became interested in being visual artists. One man, who had diffi culty in school told me that his Art classes saved him from failing school. His teacher recognized that he had diffi culties with science and math, so he began to help him see those two subjects through his art projects. He was assigned projects that integrated the subjects into actual visual arts. With that added skill set, he became more confi dent of his abilities and could see the cross over between visual art and the classes that he thought he would never learn. For me personally, opportunities in Art classes gave me a chance to stretch and learn about ceramics. Although I majored in Business, I took all of the Ceramics electives I could at The Univ. of Iowa, so that I could then start a small ceramics business that paid for my college as I went. At the end, I was debt free. Fine Arts in our school is vital to expanding the mind and giving students a way to express themselves at a time in their lives when expression can be diffi cult for some students. Karen Bender City: Wellman Occupation: Elementary Teacher Testimonial: Fine arts is important for developing a well-rounded individual! The participation in fi ne arts is sometimes the only area students who are not athletically inclined can fi nd their special space. With the 21st Century Skills focusing more on collaboration and group work, many times the out come has something to do with a fi ne arts area - communication, illustrations/diagrams, background music, presentations of projects etc. Coordination has been lacking due to the amount of time students are spending playing video games instead of doing physical activities, like dancing. As a child, I had to take dancing to improve my coordination and develop weak areas of my brain.

Cindy Widmer City: Washington Occupation: Social worker Testimonial: Because of the introduction and participation in my high schools fi ne arts programing, Iowa Mennonite School, I have continued 40 years of patisipation in choral music in my church and community. I have gained an appreciation for visual arts that has an impact on my home decor and in the places I choose to visit on vacations. Being introduced to arts as a young person has I richer my life and experiences as an adult. I have two children that have chosen artistic occupations because of their introduction to art in their schools. Thank you for continuing to fund fi ne arts as a program of primary and secondary education.

Wayne Virginia Ireland City: Corydon Occupation: retired Testimonial: Fine arts have been an important part of my life as an almost 90 yr. old widow. We have an accomplished high school band director and I wouldn’t miss a concert by the band. Classical music Page 81 is also important to me, and I have played the piano and sung in the church choir. A daughter graduated with a masters degree in piano pedagogy and recounts how her education has assisted her in her career. Theatre has also been important to me, and I have many original paintings of local artists hanging in my home. I very strongly support the inclusion of the fi ne arts in young peoples education. Wayne E. Jackson City: Corydon Occupation: Retired teacher Testimonial: The fi ne arts have enhanced and enriched me and my family’s lives for over 65 years. Through participation in school, community, and church activities. The arts used to be an integral part of the schools curriculum, but with the arts not included in the STEM, the arts are being squeezed and minimized in the medium and smaller schools daily/weekly schedule. The arts is needed to encourage creativity, personal expression, helps make us more ‘human’. The Arts uses all the STEM areas of learning-sciences, technology, engineering, and math skills in music, visual arts, drama, theatre, and dance. This seems to those of us who enjoy, and participate in the arts, that STEAM should be the included as the required curriculum of the State of Iowa schools. Webster Danielle Border City: Fort Dodge Occupation: Student Testimonial: Without music, band especially, I don’t think I would have found my purpose in life. Band has been the family I never had. It has given me opportunities to travel around the world! I went to Iceland and Norway with the Luther College Concert Band. Being band has given me the chance to play music that I wouldn’t otherwise no anything about. Band has taught me discipline with practicing habits, focusing, and team work. I am one player, but in the band I contribute an important part just like the other players. Music truly is an unspoken language that breaks down barriers.

Winnebago Tanner Smoley City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine Arts have given me a way to express myself as an individual. They allow me to espresso who I am no matter where I am. They have also given me opportunities to travel. I went on the 2014 Iowa Ambassadors of Music Concert Tour in Europe this past summer. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to see some amazing sights across Europe, but it allowed me to also make some great friends that I will never forget. Luke Tweeten City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have become more confi dent, and have learned the basics of music.

Micah Lambert City: Forest City

Page 82 Occupation: Student Testimonial: I’m in band and have been to 2 honor bands and 2 state marching band contests.

Megan Haugen City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: I have struggled with suicidal thoughts for the past two years, and music has helped me with making me a bit happier and preventing my suicide. Ally Larson City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has taught me how to be more independant in life, but also how to trust others. In marching band, you have to learn where to go by yourself. Everyone else trusts that you will go to the right spot and be on time, and you have to trust others. Being in band has taught me how to be responsible too. You have to learn your music, learn your scales, and remember to bring your instrument to school. It has shown me the feeling you get when you have a victory, and I hope to keep feeling that feeling. When we marched off the fi eld after our 34th consecutive division 1 at state, it was a great feeling. Band has motivated me to do Hannah May City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts programs has provided an outlet for students to be creative and show self expression in a manner that isn’t possible any other way. In my experience, core academic classes, although important, can create stress for students and take every aspect of a student’s school day. Instrumental, choral, and art classes such as drawing and sculpting, have allowed myself and other students like me to have at least one period of our school day devoted to working our minds on a different level and relieve some of the pressure that other academic classes create. My school day has begun with an instrumental class for my entire high school career, and I believe wholeheartedly that it starts my day correctly and gives me a positive attitude to build on as I go to each of my classes. Drama and speech works as an extracurricular activity in our school district, and both athletes and arts students alike participate. I see all of these students connect in a way they wouldn’t without the arts programs available. These programs allow me to feel free to be creative and to be myself. They have provided the most unlikely of friendships with peers from my own school and students from schools throughout the state of Iowa. Without these programs, students will lose their ability to have choices in extracurriculars, in making new friendships, and to connect with people in their own schools. Abolishing the arts programs will abolish the challenges students need to face to grow, and will terminate the level of thinking you can’t achieve in math, science, and other core educational classes.

Cory Schmitt City: Forest City Occupation: Band Director Testimonial: The fi ne arts impact my life every single day, ever since I started playing an instrument 12 years ago. I chose to pursue a career in music education because of my artistic education provided by the

Page 83 public school system. I am now the band director in Winnebago County at Forest City Middle School and High School. I have always recognized and experienced the numerous benefi ts that the fi ne arts provide, but it has elevated and taken a new meaning now that I have been given the responsibility to impact young minds as an educator. The fi ne arts provide the opportunity to create, to imagine, to express, and to emote; and these are skills that are essential to success of the human race. These skills are necessary to the proper function of government, society, and culture. The fi ne arts have given me, and all others that have studied them, the ability to access both sides of the brain simultaneously. One could for several hours give the proven research on how the arts impact the brain, improve test scores, and increase GPA’s, but I will simply say that a life without art is a life without substance. Art creates culture, community, harmony, and coexistence; and to remove that from the public school system would have dire consequences.

Katelyn Moklestad City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts has impacted my life in three different ways. It has taught me how to play saxophone which now one of my top hobbies, it has taught me how to speak publicly and to have the confi dence to talk in front of a crowd. Since joining the fi ne arts I feel like I have grown confi dence being able to comfortably perform music in front of crowd, to speak in front of crowds, and to act in front of crowds. I have also met many people and have become friends with many people during my fun times in the fi ne art. It has also been fun visiting other schools for competitions and meeting other people from other places in the process. We have also had lots of success with marching band including 34 for consecutive years of division one ratings at state. I feel like the fi ne arts should stay so many people can experience the fun and education of the fi ne arts program. Fine arts also earns students scholarships and looks good on college applications.

Caleb Hovenga City: Forest City Occupation: Life Guard Testimonial: It has allowed me to be able to make some friends who share the same interests as me, as well as show me different interests that I would never have seen before. Jacob Welton City: Forest City Occupation: High School Freshman Testimonial: I feel that the Fine Arts education has helped me to get a better understanding of music. I have learned to appreciate it more than I did before joining band. While I am not in any of the other fi ne arts through my school, I still think that they are worthwhile activities to keep in our school systems. Overall, music has impacted my life in a big way. I feel like I am a better student because of this. Thank You Stuart Yi City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: The arts are a huge portion of my life. They have presented many opportunities in my life to grow as a person. They have given me the chance to visit schools across the states, build self esteem and confi dence in what I do, be a part of a team, be exposed to new cultures, make friends, release tension, express myself and so much more. They are extremely important to me. I would not be who am I today without the arts. “Music is the universal language of the world.”

Page 84 Kaytlyn Anzivino City: forest city Occupation: High School student Testimonial: Being in band has made me feel apart of big family. It makes me feel apart of something.

Spenser Larson City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts have impacted my life by teaching me values and friendships in life I would have otherwise never had. Music is one of my favorite things in life and it is one of the many classes that I will use in life after I graduate. Without fi ne arts in my life my life would be boring because wherever you’d go it would have no emotion or passion. Tell me anywhere where music is not played. While participating in music I made many friendships with upperclassmen that I otherwise would have never talked to. Without fi ne arts my life would not be what it is. Wyatt Steffensen City: Forest CIty Occupation: Student Testimonial: Music has affected my life in many ways. To me music is my get away and relaxation device. I always enjoy going to band class every day to listen to the beautiful music us students can create. It also teaches me responsibility and time management as well as working with others. Music is just enjoying to me and I love every bit of it. Cheyanne Chapin City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: Fine arts has always had an incredible impact on my life. I started dance at the age of three and it has Page 85 become a huge part of my life. I think it is important that dance be offered to young kids wanting to take it so they can explore their different interests to try to fi nd their hobbies and learn a certain level of discipline. Music is very crucial in my life. I have done both band and choir for six years now and have fallen in love with music. I think it’s a great opportunity for kids to be able to learn to read music and then either preform it orally or on an instrument of their choice. I often fi nd that I can express myself through music and I think that’s a great thing for a person of any age to be able to do. Theater is also great in helping kids or anyone express themselves. I used to be a kind of shy person but after getting more involved in performance through speech, dance, and theater I have really started to open up. Theater forces you to go out of your comfort zone and that’s okay to do. You should learn how to go out of your comfort zone because that is how you grow. Fine arts has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m even looking into pursuing a career in fi ne arts so I do think it has had a tremendous impact on my life. I hope someday to be able to help impact other kids lives in the same way by being some sort of fi ne arts teacher.

Madeline Slater City: Forest City Occupation: student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have offered me with a way to express myself. My music teachers help me to grow and are also always there to help me with anything I need. Madi Korthals City: Forest City Occupation: None Testimonial: The fi ne arts has defi nitely impacted my life. School, sports, family, other outside things can be overwhelming and stressful but with fi ne arts its like an escape. Without the fi ne arts I probably wouldn’t be as happy and care-free as I am now.

Abigail May City: Forest City, IA Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have impacted me in many ways. The most profound way is helping me express myself, my emotions. Music especially has helped me fi nd an outlet of getting emotions out. It has also trained my mind and fi ngers and hands to work together (In band). Being in Choir has taught me to be Musical, what being a true Musician means. It has also taught me, after constantly being around other students, how to be a better person. It has taught me how to be dependent on other people to work towards a common goal, and also how to be independent and hold myself responsible and accountable to work towards the best I can be. In theater it has taught me good Public Speaking skills in which will be something I will have to do later in my life at some point, whether I like it or not. Learning to embrace other peoples points of views. Looking from different prospectives. It has taught me, when I have to do a debate in school, how to just strengthen my point of view just by looking at it from different angles. The arts program has taught me to have a work ethic and also how to work together as a team. I feel that the Fine Arts strengthen students in many ways and gives each person a new challenge. If you take that away from schools, I fear that not only would you have possible riots and upset students, but you might also see test scores drop. It has been proven that students involved with the Fine arts are challenged mentally and that helps them in school. Not only can the Fine Arts be fun, but also help students. Not all students are Athletic, a lot of students are talented in the Arts. If you take that away, it’s like saying to the students that they can no longer use there talents because they’re not good enough. They won’t be good enough if you don’t give them a chance to grow, to develop. When you let a student grow into there talents, your letting them grow into themselves. It is a piece of them. Please don’t take it away. The Fine Arts have been proudly apart of schools for years, and I would be pleased to see it continue that way for years to come. Thank You for your time

Page 86 Simon Olivares City: Forest City Occupation: High School Student Testimonial: Music is a passion for me. Music education is what I plan on majoring in! I wouldn’t have a job! If I didn’t have eduation or music teachers to guide me, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love. I wouldn’t have any motivation to keeping growing and learning if music education wasn’t provided. Self teaching in music isn’t a choice in my opinion because there’s no one to tell you if you’re wrong. Music and fi ne arts in general is something that’s been around forever in our world. Why would we want to get rid of it? I say, let’s fi ght to KEEP fi ne arts Madeline Sarasio Meyer City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: The arts are the only constants in my life and the things I can trust to always be there for me to turn to when I feel like I can’t do anything. It’s what I compare my life to, if it’s a fi lm or a song I fi nd a way to fi t it into my life. It makes me happy. Darrylle Bruns City: Forest City Occupation: unemployed Testimonial: All of my older siblings were very involved in fi ne arts. Growing up, I saw how confi dent they became in themselves. I had very poor self esteem back then, and I decided that once I was old enough, I was going to do everything they did. Now, I participate in marching and concert band, set crew, and art classes. Being involved in these activities has brought wonderful friends and mentors into my life. They have been more than just outlets for my energy. They have become passions of mine. Music is my life. Art is my life. Fine arts are the lives of the students. Rachel Nettleton City: Forest City Occupation: student Testimonial: Being involved with fi ne arts while in high school has given me so many opportunities that I would not have had if I hadn’t chosen to be in band. I have traveled all over the state participating in events and have met so many amazing people from other towns throughout the state. I believe that people involved in the fi ne arts, especially with music, are better academically than those who are not. Music teaches you work ethic, patience, and shows you that if you work hard at something, the outcome will be great. Leah Jones City: Forest City Occupation: anything that connected to Asia Testimonial: To be open to others and is okay to be yourself. Also it can discover something that their is a hidden talent in everyones’ heart. It’s something that it doesn’t hurt to try out something new in anyone’s life. Josiah Kleveland City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: When I was an eighth grader, I was chosen to be in high school marching band. I was chosen because I was one of the top band students in the middle school. I could either accept the invitation and be in

Page 87 the high school marching band, or I could decline. My sister was also invited and she sadly declined. I was considering declining but my parents said that they though I would enjoy it. So, I accepted the invitation and became a part of the Forest City Marching Band. Joining marching band changed my life. It was hard work, having to attend band camp for three hours every weekday for two weeks in the summer. I also had to wake up very early and attend morning practice at seven o’clock every school day. In the end however, I ended up loving marching band. I loved it because I enjoyed it and because I was accepted and liked by the high schoolers, even though I was in eighth grade. I was even given the nickname of “Nugget” by the seniors. That year, Forest City Marching Band earned their 33rd consecutive Division 1 rating. I am now a freshman at Forest City High School. This year was more challenging though, because we had a brand new band director. But despite the change, we overcame the challenges and earned the Forest City Marching Band their 34th consecutive Division 1 rating. Because of marching band, I am planning on trying to become the new drum major for Forest City. I am also planning to pursue band in college and try to earn a scholarship to a college for band. This is just the fi rst few years of a long journey for me and band has already impacted me this much. I am sure that in the years to come, band and other fi ne arts will impact me much more. Thone Golwitzer City: Forest City Occupation: School student Testimonial: I am in band. It is so important to me!! I have learned how to read music, play and sing notes, how to count measures and so much more! I has helped me with math too! I would really hate to not have band and chorus in my life! It would be a dark world! Austin Yeager City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: It has challenged me to do more than just be a student Michele Jacobson City: Forest City Occupation: Vocal Music Director Testimonial: Fine arts have impacted my life greatly over the years. I was involved in Choir, Band, Drama and visual arts during middle school and high school. These were the classes where I really thrived and felt like I got the most out of on a personal level. The arts allowed me to express who I was. Some of my favorite memories from my youth involve arts events and classes, the times I was involved in the arts are the times that really stuck with me. Clearly as a Vocal Music Director my career path was infl uenced by the experiences I had in the arts, music especially. Had it not been for the strong infl uences I had growing up I may not have chosen this career path. Public music education made it possible for me to discover and develop this passion that I have. Nick Kistler City: Forest City Occupation: Student Testimonial: I feel that music gets me away from the bad things in life and helps me learn and relax. I feel like it has made me a smarter person.

Page 88 Winneshiek Bryan Waznik City: Decorah Occupation: College Student Testimonial: I think the most substantial way in which fi ne arts has affected me is my ability to empathize and consider the lives of those around me. In the arts, we are constantly seeing different perspectives of others and are encouraged to explore those perspectives within the context of our own lives. This has led to me being a kinder, more considerate individual, who is more likely to reach out to help others in need.

Woodbury Kaylee City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I like art because art is fun. Art is fun because we get to make new pictures and we get to paint. I like music because I like to learn new songs. Music is fun because we get to play music games and we get to sing songs. Michael McMahan City: Sioux City Occupation: College Student, Briar Cliff University Testimonial: Fine Arts are an outlet of creativity for all generations. Whether it be Music, Theatre, or Art, people from all ages, genders, or socioeconomic backgrounds are able to benefi t from the Fine Arts. I’ve been involved in the Arts from a very young age, including piano lessons, choir, band, and art. Because of the learning possibilities I have had, I have a more diverse outlook on the world and everyday life. I am currently in my fi nal year of college, majoring in both Art and Music, and I have confi dence in saying that studying these disciplines has prepared me to enter the world, and will enable me to pursue a career in a fi eld which I am very passionate about.

Alexa City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I love art because I love to paint. We have music where we dance, drum, sing, and play instruments. It has helped me to become a better writer. I have become more creative. Nayeli City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I like art because I like to paint and color. We get to create things. I also like music because we get to sing and play sticks and drums. Sometimes we read books in music and we get to sing the Star- Spangled Banner. I also dance at home with my brothers. I dance at the pool, the park, and the store.

Page 89 Emlyn City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: My favorite thing is dancing because it gives you energy. It is not just dancing, it is also exercising. The more sweat, the more you get better at it. Dancing will be good if you try it! It is fun for me, just try it! Melody City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I like music because I like to sing and dance. I like art because I like to paint pictures and draw pictures. I like to dance because dancing is so fun and nice. Victoria City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I like dancing. It is my talent. It is a good thing. You can be in a dance routine. So you can dance better than before. I like to dance here and there. I like to dance everywhere. It also makes me a good dancer at home, at recess, and outside. I like to dance. If I can try, you can try. Gilbert City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: In art I have learned to become more creative. I like music because I get to use use it everywhere. Phoenix City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Testimonial: I like music because it makes me calm. Art is fun because I like to paint.

April City: Sioux City Occupation: Student Testimonial: The fi ne arts have always been a big part of my life. For a long time my involvement in high school music, drama, and speech was the only reason I didn’t drop out. When I got to college, being involved with choir was the only thing that kept me from withdrawing. If I didn’t have the fi ne arts, my life would be completely different than it is now. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t be around to write this. Please keep the fi ne arts in schools, they are so important for future generations...not just academically but personally as well. Shalyse City: Sioux City Occupation: 2nd Grade Student Testimonial: I like art because it is fun and I learn. It took me a long time to do art, but I practiced and now I can do art better. I have become more creative in my writing and stories. It has helped me to become a better listener and a leader!

Page 90 Worth Cody Fedeler City: Manly Occupation: Factory by day, musician by night Testimonial: As a participant in band, art, speech, and theater at my school I can honestly say that the skills I’ve learned there have helped me immensely post-graduation. Not a day goes by that I don’t utilize the skills obtained in speech. Having held a few retail jobs in the past, I needed the ability to communicate effi ciently and quickly. This is something I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. Beyond the mundane job of retail this has helped me succeed in making connections in the music community. My band, Deadnote, has traveled down to San Antonio and Nashville to record two albums with Grammy award winning producers. Without the option to learn to play music my band wouldn’t exist and I would be attempting to survive on a minimum wage factory job. Visual art is similar in the respect that I have good friends who sell their work to supplement their income. If they had not been encouraged to fi nd their niche I’m not sure where they would be. In conclusion these programs are important because they provide real world skills and applications. With the right education and environment to excite the minds of children, we can allow people to indulge in their hobbies. Without these options I know my life would be a lot different. david fedeler City: manly Occupation: sales Testimonial: I dabbled in both sports and music in jr high and high school, but now that I am older, I am only able to participate in the music, which keeps me active in my retirement years Jon Overy City: Manly Occupation: College Student Testimonial: Music and the fi ne arts are forms of expression for myself. They have helped me learn to think outside of the box and be more creative. I also have learned many problem solving skills and social skills from these style of classes that I feel I couldn’t have learned as quickly without them. I feel that although the United States may not be the top or even near the top of the standings in core curriculum in comparison to the world, what the U.S. does lead in is in creative minds and its number one resource, the people. This has much to do with what is taught in the fi ne arts programs of the U.S., I personally feel. I have explored and learned in such a way through these classes that I see the correlation.

Wright Dirk Vanderlinden City: Belmond Occupation: Newspaper publisher Testimonial: I have been interested in music since I was a small child when I began listening to various recordings on an old RCA record player. I took piano lessons and started singing at church in the 3rd grade. In the 5th grade I joined the school band. At my rural high school, I was in the marching band, concert band, concert choir and swing choir. I participated in four high school musicals and four stage plays. I was a member of the debate team and several speech groups. Our choral reading group won the state title twice, beating out teams from big cities across the state. I was twice a member of the Iowa

Page 91 All State Chorus, and I still remember what it sounded like at my fi rst All-State practice with 600 other kids in the Methodist Church in downtown Des Moines 40 years ago. I wasn’t much of an athlete, although I at least tried football, basketball and golf. So the arts were where I could excel. At Iowa State University I sang with the concert choir and was able to perform with highly regarded orchestras from the U.S. and around the world. I’ve continued singing as an adult, with church choirs and other groups. Nowadays I even direct our church choir when our regular director is absent. I have continued to play my baritone horn in Tuba Christmas (I’ve dragged my teenage son and daughter with me) and our local summer community band. My music, drama and speech background continue to serve me well with recreational opportunities and a chance to meet new people. My experiences helped me gain confi dence talking in front of other people, leading groups, and understanding that if you work and practice hard, many things are possible. The skills I learned in junior high and high school fi ne arts have served me far past my graduation. I can watch football, but I can PARTICIPATE in music community theater. Without school programs, this would not have been possible for me growing up in a rural area. Cities have private music teachers, but most rural areas only have public school teachers. In fact, my high school director was also our church choir director. And so it is at one of the churches in our town today. If Iowa truly means to educate ALL children, then it must provide opportunities for ALL children. Our kids need music, drama, industrial arts, the visual arts, FFA, reading, writing, arithmetic, science, and yes, even football.

Page 92 This Testimonial booklet is made possible by funding from:

Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, National Association of Music Merchants and SupportMusic.Com.

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