CSMA keeps arts alive in school CSMA keeps arts alive in school (December 05, 2003)

Agency needs more help to teach kids art and music

By Katie Vaughn

With the failure of the parcel tax measure at the polls last June, music and arts programs in area schools were put in jeopardy.

While Mountain View-Whisman School District used private donations to maintain its current contract with the Community School of Music and Arts, the non-profit arts education center could use more help and is a recipient of the Voice Holiday Fund.

Through two programs designed specifically for schoolchildren, CSMA provides art and music classes in all seven of the district's elementary schools and also in schools in the Los Altos School District.

"It's our core program. The arts provide a strong means for schools to encourage students," said executive director Angela McConnell. "Arts education really opens up the doors to learning."

CSMA's "Arts in Action" program provides weekly hands-on instruction in art practice, theory and history. Students learn to draw, paint and sculpt and display their work in an end-of-the-year exhibition.

"Music in Action" teaches singing, instruments and music appreciation. Students present a choral concert at the end of the school year.

Beginning in third grade, students learn about music around the world and throughout history. Units cover music from Latin America, Africa, India and the Middle East, and Native America, as well as music from Europe's baroque, classic and romantic periods and America's jazz and avant-garde movements. Fourth and fifth graders can participate in an instrumental music program during or after school and perform in a concert.

CSMA also offers in-house instruction for adults and children, with performance and exhibition opportunities. It is in the process of moving to a new facility, its first permanent home in its 35-year history.

The school art and music programs began in 1981 and have played a continuing role in arts education in Mountain View-Whisman schools since, said Evy Schiffman, communications director at CSMA.

"Arts in Action" and "Music in Action" were recipients of the Mayor's Award for Excellence in Education for 2003, presented by Mountain View Mayor Michael Kasperzak in late October.

Despite the programs' success, they have not been immune from funding crises stemming from state budget cuts. Funding is difficult every year, Schiffman said, but even more so this year.

The music program suffered cuts, McConnell said, and was able to offer classes for only 13 weeks instead of the normal 22.

CSMA and its programs receive support from the Mountain View-Whisman School District, individual schools' PTA organizations, the City of Mountain View and corporate and private donations, but needs more to ensure that art and music education continue in the elementary schools.

It is one of six local non-profit agencies chosen by the Voice to participate in its Holiday Fund drive. Four foundations will match all contributions given to the fund.

The funding CSMA receives will be used for its "Arts in Action" and "Music in Action" programs.

McConnell said supporting art and music not only benefits students, but also schools and the entire Mountain View area.

"We really want to improve the quality of life in our community," she said. "And we're doing it this way."

The Community School of Music and Arts is a non-profit center for arts education. It is located at 220 View St., but will begin moving to 230 San Antonio Circle later this month. For more information, call 961-0342 or visit www.arts4all.org.

E-mail Katie Vaughn at kvaughn@mv-voice.com

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