Barrera Minute #4: Beyond the 3 Rs
I played the Baritone Horn in Elementary, Middle and High School - Low Brass Rules
When most people hear the iconic Bom-Bom-Bom of “The Imperial March” from Star Wars, they conjure up an image of Darth Vader, with his menacing rasp and swirling black cloak. But for me, this musical passage is a reminder of my time playing the baritone horn in school bands going as far back as elementary school. It was a time of pride and a sense of belonging that marks the beginning of my dedication to arts in public education.
To many, the arts are a frill that should take a back seat to more pressing concerns about reading, writing, and arithmetic – the 3 Rs. But according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, arts education plays a vital role in helping students:
Develop valuable life and career skills such as observation, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, perseverance, and teamwork;
Feel excited about coming to school, helping to combat absenteeism;
Develop socially and emotionally; and
Broaden their understanding and appreciation of other cultures and histories.
This is why I have made it a priority to elevate our visual and performing arts program during my time on the board of the San Diego Unified School District.
For example, after California voters approved Proposition 28 – a measure which established new, ongoing funding for arts education – I worked hard with my fellow board members to stave off efforts to use these new resources to supplant the district’s existing financial commitment.
“With Richard Barrera’s leadership, San Diego Unified has vastly increased access to arts education. He also prevented attempts to dilute the impact of voter-approved state arts education funding. I am confident that as Superintendent of Public Education he will continue to advocate for robust programs in visual and performing arts.”
At the same time, I led the charge to secure $11.5 billion in facilities funding, which enabled us to build new performance, rehearsal and studio spaces, such as Performing Arts Centers at traditionally underserved schools like Wilson Middle School, Hoover High School and Morse High School.
SDUSD has also developed strong partnerships with local arts organizations and institutions of higher education. For example, our Arts Education Project brings prospective arts teachers from San Diego State to classrooms as Visiting Teachers.
And the VAPA Foundation is a first of its kind alliance between our school district and a nonprofit organization whose mission is leveraging the resources of the arts and philanthropic communities. The VAPA Foundation recently won a $1M grant for a collaboration between San Diego Unified and the Expressive Arts Institute to address student mental well-being through the arts.
I haven’t picked up a horn in 45 years, but I still vividly recall the joy and confidence being in band gave me and I want every student to have the same chance to experience this that I did.
To help us expand vibrant arts education for every student in California, please donate to our campaign or contact us to get involved.
Forward together,
Richard
