Where is everybody?

Post by **tex** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 1:16 am

Well, I have to admit that doesn't sound very encouraging. It probably wouldn't hurt to look around a bit, at what might be available, just as a precaution. As your sister says, it will probably make you feel better, to be taking a positive step.

Love,
Wayne

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 1:17 am

I'll keep everything crossed for you Jill! Hang in there - "What Wayne said"! Worrying will only make you sick - literally!

Here's another

!

Mars

Alice · Post by **Alice** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 5:47 am

Hi Jill,

I make my living as a musician - so I know just how it is with the arts and teaching! They are the first to go when budgets are cut. How sad for our children that the arts aren't valued as they should be. They are as important as the sciences in our lives. Among other benefits, the arts nourish our souls - which are the essence of who we really are.

Off of my soap box.

I teach music privately, in addition to performing, and have found it to be very rewarding in every way. I have plenty of students due to the lack of music in schools.

Would you be able to perhaps supplement your income by teaching privately? Just a thought.

Love,
Alice

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:38 am

Jill, I have been fighting against cuts in the arts since I was in 6th grade when they started threatening music and art programs at my school. I never had the time to take art, although I love artistic expression. I was very active in the music program and its definately something I still do today. I always hated the fact the drunk football team got new uniforms every year, and I never knew if programs I cared about were going to continue.

Would it be out of line to talk to the admissions director? Maybe get him/her to lobby for your department? Sometimes its the "extras" that attract students to a particular school. I'll be thinking of you. Things do work out for the best, so keep your chin up and you'll get through this rough spot.

Katy

artteacher · Post by **artteacher** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:36 am

Hi. I was wondering if your classes do get cut back to 80, or 60%, would the administration still keep you fulltime by having you teach another class? Because my degree was in Art, with a minor in computer science, (what a joke, because it was outdated a year later), & I was given an Intro to Algebra class to give me enough hours to be considered full time (with benefits). Later, when they had more art classes to give me, I dropped the math. Granted, this was a private school, and they have more discretion where they assign teachers, but I bet there are other things you could do. It's more another prep for you, but what do you think? Keep your chin up, Love, Marsha

JJ · Post by JJ » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:46 am

Hi you guys...I also teach at a private school...and they aren't just looking at Art cuts....they are re-examining all course offerings and positions. We are small....about 120 in our Upper School, and that impacts the number of kids we have in our electives. Right now, they have to take credits in one arts area...art, music or drama, and intro arts courses during their soph year. So, the problem is numbers. If we had 150 kids, all the Arts electives would be full. The board doesn't understand that because of scheduling and nos., sometimes I only have 4-6 kids in my classes. My adv Portfolio class had two. But it's true...if the Admissions people want to still use my program as a selling point, the Board better support my program.

Post by **tex** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:58 am

Alice,

Not only do the arts nourish the soul, but they nourish the brain, in more ways than is commonly understood. Learning to play an instrument, for example, not only speeds up and improves hand-eye coordination, but it also enhances the powers of comprehension and reasoning. Mathematicians and engineers, with a background that includes some music education, usually perform above the norm in their respective fields. Even something as seemingly passive as art appreciation, can sometimes do magical things, in terms of organized thought patterns, and creative thinking.

My formal education was in engineering, but my fondest memories from my high school and college years, are of the time I spent learning and performing music. I only wish that I had found the time to pursue some of the other arts, as well.

Jill,

Katy's suggestion about trying a "political" approach might get results. It's certainly worth a try. Back when I started college, I elected to spend a couple of years at a small "fine arts" colege, before I went to UT, simply because I liked their music program. I never even took any music courses there, but I knew that the quality of their curiculum meant that they would have a top notch band/orchestra, and I participated in that to the fullest. I was not disapointed--it was great.

Love,
Wayne

JJ · Post by JJ » Sat Jan 28, 2006 1:13 pm

I have been thinking of offering private art lessons.....the K-8 art teacher teaches two kids after school and it really helps her $. I would be willing to do that too....just need to find kids. The school may frown on having outside kids come in for my lessons. (although that happens during my summer school program, the school takes almost 50%)!

I need to go and get ready for Open House....today is our all-school dog and pony show....I will put on my smily face!

I am missing ski school today...but, I bet they canceled anyway...the pass was closed because of an avalanche and didn't re-open until a little while ago. I have my own ski school program tomorrow, hope I don't have to cancel that! I still haven't skied this year...too busy working up there and tending to students with injuries....I am saving up all my un-used lift tickets so I can go up and really ski....no interuptions! TTFN....JJ