Instruments invaluable to students

Published 12:37 am Sunday, December 15, 2013

When school districts are in a bind to cut programs for lack of funds, the first ones to go are usually visual and performing arts.

Luckily, the school districts in Lawrence County have been able to keep their programs afloat and in the case of South Point, have allocated money for some much needed equipment.

The South Point Board of Education recently gave the high school band program $55,000 for the purchase of new instruments.

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Despite the fact that much of the school’s older band instruments were modified with tape and glue just to make them usable, the marching band managed to garner four grand champion awards this year.

What better way to reward the students for the dedication and hours of rehearsals than by providing quality, working equipment.

David Edwards, band director, said giving the students this new equipment would teach them responsibility in taking care of these expensive instruments.

And he’s right.

But more than that, learning a musical instrument can help with higher cognitive function in other subjects, such as math and science.

Not to mention a sense of accomplishment and a talent those students can always carry with them.

Kudos to the South Point school district for letting its students play on.