There are many marks of a healthy and vibrant community, among which the education of our children appears at the top of the list. Reviewing this month’s issue of A&E, I was struck by all of the creative opportunities kids have in Central Oregon, many created by non-profits stepping in to compensate for dwindling creative curriculums in our schools. Commentary by Renee Patrick
The Cascade School of Music (with a new monthly column) has created a stellar set of classes and programs aimed at making music fun, engaging and social for all ages.
High Desert Chamber Music’s program, Spotlight Chamber Players, also engages aspiring musicians in the study and performance of chamber music skills and techniques. This month Pastini Pastaria in the Old Mill District is helping to raise funds for the non-profit’s programming, which in turn provides instruction to the Players for free.
Do you have an young movie-buff on your hands? BendFilm’s Future Filmmakers will host its annual 72 Hour Shootout in which students have 72 hours to produce and submit films of three minutes or less.
Architecture in Schools, a program of the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, gives students a glimpse into the world of an architect as well as enhances learning in language arts, social studies, math and science. This year’s projects, the work of 13 classes and 12 volunteer architects, appeared at May’s on First Friday in the Old Mill District.
Eager readers may already be aware of the tremendous work SMART does in the local community. Paring adult volunteers with children in need of reading support and books can do wonders for a child.
The five programs above are just a few of the creative opportunities our community has created for our children. The importance of these organizations can not be overstated. Cultivating creative and critical thinking at a young age can ensure they are prepared for their future and the future of our communities.
We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future. ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
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