Greetings CMSD Families and Friends,
This is the time of year when holiday music and classical songs are amplified. The music helps set the tone for a season associated with joy, goodwill, and giving.
Research has shown that a music education can provide lasting benefits to students. These benefits include an increase in self-confidence, discipline, social cohesion, and academic enrichment.
The Cleveland Public School District All-City Arts Program was established in 1954. Originally, the programing consisted of a symphony orchestra, choir, and concert band. The arts programing has expanded to include dance and jazz education.
The glorious school concert tradition will be showcased again this coming Wednesday, December 13, when East Technical High School will host the All-City Winter concert. An expected 285 Cleveland scholars, enrolled in Grades three through 12, will come together to perform seasonal classics that have resonated throughout the ages.
I pride myself on being a bit of a musician. Once I learned of the winter concert tradition, I asked Jeffery Allen, CMSD’s Executive Director of Fine Arts, if I could join the students in the performance. He graciously agreed to allow me to join the symphony with the instrument of my choice, which is the tuba.
I fell in love with playing the tuba as a fifth grader. The majestic brass wind instrument has enriched my love of learning in ways that compliment my overall academic pursuit.
When you are learning to play an instrument, you need to practice and get feedback. The exercise helps the student to explore new creative ideas. You don’t always succeed at first. That’s the point. You continue to practice and to improve.
I celebrate all of Cleveland’s artistic scholars. I can’t wait to join them on stage for the 2023 All-City Winter Concert. If you are unable to attend the Winter Concert, I invite you to join us at 6:30 Wednesday evening for a livestream of the concert by visiting the CMSD home page or clicking on the following link: https://t.ly/6-uJ1.
Yours in Gratitude,
Dr. Warren G. Morgan