To the Editor:

The Orchestra of Northern New York acknowledges with gratitude all the school music teachers in the North Country and Adirondacks who introduce students to the power of music to inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether vocal or instrumental, music has an incredible impact on participants. ONNY is grateful to these teachers for their dedication and expertise.

ONNY agrees with Belgian author Paul Carvel who claims, “Music deserves to be the mandatory second language of all schools in the world.”

Musician and neuroscientist Alan Harvey says, “Research shows that at-least some musical education has a positive impact on social and cognitive development of children. And these effects are long lasting – better hearing, better motor skills, improved memory, better verbal and literacy skills.”

Finally, Gregory Anrig, President of Educational Testing Service (ETS) believes, “The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results… Not a bad preparation for the workforce!

Orchestra of Northern New York