My name is Gabriela Smith-Rosario. I am in the Youth Choir. I strongly believe that removing a music program as fine as ours would be almost the equivalent of taking a child away from a family. The Youth Choir is one big family. Although we have our differences, we all share a love for music and singing.
I feel that Youth Choir is a place where older kids can express themselves through music. This program gives kids a chance to sing in other languages, perform for elderly people, and show their talent for singing. Every time I walk into that room I feel like I'm at home. I feel relaxed and comfortable.
At my school, the music programs aren't as exciting or enjoyable. We don't have the pleasure of singing for elderly people, and the only way I can sing there is trying out. We don't have any freedom at those programs. Youth Choir is the only place where I can sing without having to audition. I also get to work with Louise, a teacher that I like and have had for almost three years.
Getting rid of this program would make multiple kids upset and depressed. The only people I can think of who would understand how difficult it would be on us children would be Louise Fateux, Cheryl Wadsworth, and Stacey Tinker, who are all leaders of at least one music group.
At my old church, I had a volunteer choir director. She was very nice, but I didn't learn much regarding music from her. I think that having a person like that directing the Youth Choir would cause us to be as bad singers as we were when we started in the Children's Choir. I don't want our choir to lose the musical education that we get from Louise.
I wonder why this church would give away a portion of the offering when it can't even afford to pay people who work here. I know that pledges play a large role in helping this church, but did you ever consider giving less of your offering away when you need it, too? I think that pledges are a good way to bring money to this church, but you should also save up money from the offering. Also, this would put less stress on people who are unable to afford increasing their pledges.
I wrote this letter because I was not given permission to speak at the budget meeting at the church today. I was upset that the childrens' voices are being ignored although we are the future leaders of this church, and we are the ones most affected by the removal of our teachers.
Musical education is not a luxury. It lets our souls run free.
Sincerely,
Gabriela Smith-Rosario
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5 comments:
What a lovely commentary. It's sad that she wasn't allowed to speak. Thank you for posting.
It's a shame that the church would be willing to remove the music program since obviously, it is so beneficial, especially for the youth of today.
Thank you, Gabriella, for your dedication to youth choir, for coming to rehearsal in the morning and sometimes at other times, for showing up to sing at the services, including on Christmas Eve. Thank you for what you have given to this church.
I was surprised to learn that the Universalist Church, known for its inclusive and liberal views, did not allow my granddaughter, a young parishioner, to present her concerns regarding the elimination of her choir teacher's position.
Gabriela has shown the courage of her convictions in this letter. This is just the kind of dialogue that ought to be encouraged, not dismissed.
My late father and Gabriela's great-grandfather, the Rev. Jose A. Negron, would be very proud of her. His legacy lives on.
Edna Negron Rosario
Ponce, Puerto Rico
It is such a beautiful thing to hear the love of our youth for the celebration of worship through song. Music is such an integral though often ignored side of our lives and the freedom of expression it gives us in church is nothing short of phenominal. The voices of children open the hearts of even the most forgotten adults. Amen, Gabi...well done!
(Gabi's aunt and preschool
teacher)
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