As a student at Bonney Lake High school I have noticed the lack of resources and funding for the arts programs, especially in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. There is no orchestra or string program in the whole of the district, and there should be.

I am currently playing in the Tacoma Youth Symphony as a violist and wish there was a way to play every day in an orchestra. All of the violists in my section have a school orchestra program and are in contests like solo ensemble, all state, and all northwest orchestra. I am missing out on opportunities like these because the school district does not have an orchestra program.

Music can improve the memory, ability to stay more engaged, and increase coordination. It ultimately helps students improve in their academics exponentially. Music connects kids to each other in a way that socializing and just going to classes cannot do.

The euphoric feeling of playing in a group cannot be achieved through just choir or band. When you play in a group, while making inanimate objects sing like the angels of heaven, producing the gorgeous sounds of classical music brings joy to the soul.

Mia Richards

Bonney Lake