Music Education as a shaping force in culture
The following is one of the founding beliefs in my philosophy of music education. I have recently been mulling over the task that lies ahead of all music education in the responsibility to be a shaping force in our own culture. There are a number of performing arts groups situated in communities that contribute to the culture that are faced with tough times ahead as our country suffers through an economic recession. The ripple on the pond spreads quickly and the effects are felt in the distance. We are faced with a situation where funding from the community for these groups have dried up, and to some extent impacts the ability of educators to have the proper resources as well. Ultimately, our ability to function as a collective partnership in the profession to improve, shape, and positively influence the culture is negated by the volatile economy. Do we have a professional responsibility to build, shape, mold, and improve the culture in which we teach? I firmly believe that we do. If we are to continue our move forward as a profession, it behooves us to take this mantle of responsibility where we are and begin to rebuild the cultural connection in our own community. Reimer readers rejoice – the good Doctor’s third edition was a heavy influence throughout this article.
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