Currently the arts programs in Medford are not sufficiently funded or administered. I give credit to the current staff for doing as much as we can with what we have. Still, we need better funding of art supplies, more frequent music classes, including full instrument instruction, not just violin, in grades 4 & 5. We should explore elementary bands and chorus at individual schools. We also must make sure that students have time in their schedules to participate in these activities.
We should explore linkage to Berklee or Longy music schools and to metropolitan programs like Handel & Hayden Kids Chorus, The Revels, and Springstep so that students can attend programs there, or performers can come here.
Similarly we should like to metropolitan art colleges and area museums which could bring programs to the schools. We could also tap members of Medford artist community to teach kids in seminars or after school classes.
