My two favorite subjects

Earlier today, while taking a nice air-conditioned train ride through town, I reflected on my two favorite subjects in elementary school.

Art.
Music.

I remember the questionnaires we'd get and those two being my responses.

I remember learning to play the violin, viola, and cello.

I remember learning how to read music.

I remember winning an art contest sponsored by the Chapel of Four Chaplains. I remember having to go to the Adam's Mark hotel for a banquet and to receive my $100 check. (I also remember my 1st grade teacher making us open a savings account, the ultimate destination of that $100 check)

I remember Mrs. Serota, the art teacher, Mr. Shelton the music teacher, and Mrs. Christensen, the music teacher who stepped in after Mr. Shelton passed away.

Here's what troubles me; the School District of Philadelphia has passed a budget that cuts such things as art and music. What troubles me is the fact that many schools already had to make a choice between art or music and now those options aren't on the table at all.

There is no reason why a city such as Philadelphia, a culturally significant icon and staple for the arts in the United States and around the world, should have a public school system destitute of such culturally significant and iconic programs!

While celebrating a new mural that pays tribute to the Roots (well deserved), in the same news cast we lament the loss of music and art in our schools!

Smh