Music In Our Schools

Last Wednesday, the first of March, I was privileged to attend a special event at the Capitol in Madison. Milton’s own, Justin Kamp, general music teacher for Harmony & Northside, took advantage of a special opportunity to have Milton kids showcased in a very moving, and meaningful event.

March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM). As part of this state-wide celebration, choirs from schools around our state, submit their names for selection to perform at the Capitol. Justin became aware of this opportunity but he did more than become aware. He initiated and followed-through on the steps to have the Harmony third grade singers considered as performers. This meant extra work and preparation on his part. It meant hard work and rehearsal. It meant coordination and logistics. All in all a lot of extra time and effort. The result – our Harmony third graders were selected as the first choir to perform this year.

But, taking nothing away from Justin, this is not an exception for Milton teachers. I have found that our Red Hawk staff members consistently go above and beyond to create extraordinary Opportunities for our kids. Thank you, Justin. Your energy and enthusiasm is a joy to watch as you direct our kids. No wonder they performed so well. What a role model! Thank you for large numbers of parents and community members who drove to Madison to listen. Mike George, the representative from the Music Association made the comment that this was the first time a choir brought its entire audience with them. Milton families and parents are great.

For these kids, this trip was so much more than performing in the Capitol. They also enjoyed a guided tour of this beautiful building and, thanks to 43^rd Assemblyman – Milton’s Don Vruwink – were able to actually sit in the Assembly Chambers.

I was pleased to accept the invitation to attend and was excited to get the special concert shirt. I joined the kids for lunch in the lower level of the Capitol and then had the privilege of reading to them to help them quiet, focus, and prepare for their time on the risers. Principal Jon Lyon, (all six foot whatever of him) had their undivided attention as he reminded them of their preparation, their hard work, and that they were representing Harmony and their community the Red Hawk Way. He made me want to get on the risers and sing with them.

Then it was quiet, anticipatory, single file up the stairs to the rotunda, coming out in front of lots & lots of people. WOW, what an experience! There were our kids, all dressed in their red shirts, filling the risers with their bodies and then the Capitol with their song.

One of their selections was a song especially written for Music In Our Schools Month. What a message for all of us.

“If you sing and I sing, the world will sing along.

The music will move us, and help us get along.

I can sing for you. You can sing for me. We can write a perfect melody. Singing makes us strong. We feel like we belong. Together we can write a brand new song.

We will do our part. Music is the start. We can find the perfect harmony. Come and sing along, and sing out proud and strong. Together we can write a brand new song.

We can change the world, if we just write a brand new song.”

Here's a link - https://youtu.be/RWvQuKjC_VU

Once again our kids say it best. What a lesson for all of us.

OPPORTUNITY, ACHIEVEMENT, COMMUNITY – clearly robust & active!

Jon Cruzan

President, School District of Milton Board of Education