Money has been at the forefront of some of the bumps along the way. New sound equipment for the stage that is used for many events, most notably STEM nights, school assemblies and school musicals, was requested and purchased, additional microphones for use in school musicals were requested and approved as well as brand new choral risers (which were also approved.) So many things that funnel through the performing arts dept that it does look like we do much spending...but with what equipment we currently have at Mansfeld; their time of functioning correctly and/or safely is coming to an end. Plus, those large purchase items are long term and not a yearly expense. The age of some other equipment also brought into focus some future needs from performing arts (chorus and musical theater). Tax-credit donations designated to those activities greatly helped with the expense of needs for the sound system. Un-designated and designated funds helped with the expense to replace the choral risers. There is still time to donate!! (Please designate "Fine arts, Chorus or Musical Theater.")
For the yearly expenses of running chorus and musical theater, the P.T.S.O. has been a godsend. They hold the money we raise from water and bake sales and release it to be used for registration fees, buy supplies, accompanist, musical licensing fees, and for paying the yearly Music education fee which allows the chorus to participate in the yearly festival in Mesa (Our own little assessment of how we're doing). They are also helping us fund a charter bus to take the chorus to contest and "Castles and Coasters" Our current fundraising efforts are to help pay back P.T.S.O. the money for that bus...we're almost there!! If I haven't said it enough, "Thank you very much" from me and the students in vocal music performing arts!!
On April 1, the advanced chorus will be attending the yearly adjudication festival. The group sings songs in front of 2 judges who then work with the chorus on musicianship, fundamentals and generally how to best support the group they belong to. It is an invaluable experience for everyone, and the future of Vocal music at Mansfeld.
May 9 is the annual Spring concert with selections from the Beginning Chorus (6th graders), Intermediate Chorus (7th and 8th grades) and Advanced Chorus (7th and 8th grades by audition)
Ms. Chizuru Jurman, the choir director from Tucson High, will address the P.T.S.O. at their May meeting, on the effects choral music at Mansfeld has had on her programs at THMS.
Finally, this is not the correct forum for me to share political views. I will mention that there are many studies available (some on this web site!) that purport the importance of the arts in education. Our current situation, nationally, is one that is very unclear but as of late, it looks as though the arts are not as valued (NEA). It is with you that the arts can exist within the limited amount of time in school. Your expectation of it being part of the curriculum and the insistence of meaningful experiences for your children allow for some creative artistic projects. Please stay involved, listen to your kids (read between the lines! 😉) and enjoy! As always, feel free to contact me anytime.
