Lots of good info about the meeting tomorrow: directions, philosophy, and more!
- Lorraine
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Denny Stokes <denny.stokes@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Subject: An earnest request
Greetings Friends.
As you know, the FACE rally takes place this Tuesday, 7:00 pm, at the Center for the Arts, George Mason University. I am sending this last email, asking each of you to personally consider the thoughts below, and to share this communication with everyone who would join us in helping to preserve the elementary instrumental music program in Fairfax County.
Ours is a remarkable county, made so by remarkable people who are "doers," in the community, the nation and beyond. It is also a community of very busy people. I write this reminder tonight, knowing that many want to help in our efforts, while still tending to the myriad responsibilities of careers, families...and booster groups! In this setting, a most understandable sentiment could well be: "I'd be happy to help in any concrete way possible, I understand the needs, and I don't really need to be 'rallied'."
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The reality of our dilemma is that there really are no "bad guys" in this process. I am sure, that under different circumstances, our superintendent, our school board, and our county board of supervisors would have no interest in taking on the thorny, difficult, heart-wrenching decisions such as (but not limited to) cutting elementary instrumental music. And yet, here we are.
If I, like they, had to answer to the electorate every few years, I would be paying close attention to these issues, hoping to sort out that which is a "want" from that which is truly visceral in the hearts of the community. I would be impressed by a cogent, thoughtful articulation of the value of music education. But I would be compelled to action by the presence of throngs of people, each one of whom represent the wishes of many more voters. As I see it, it is our job to help make it easier for our leaders to do their job, to find the ways and the means to continue the current music instruction, even in these difficult times.
Do you matter in this process? I have performed many times at the GMU Center for the Arts. It is a lovely facility. It is also BIG. A thousand people will not fill it. Two thousand will make GREAT video! Yes, you matter. The car-load of people you bring with you matters. A room full FACE tee shirts, uniforms and school colors matter. There will be decision-makers at the rally, specifically to gauge the "level of energy," as I was told today. What will they find?
The rally itself will be most informative, and will help equip everyone with the rationale and facts needed as we move into the upcoming decision-making process. Everyone who attends will hear words of hope, while also making the powerful statement of a determined electorate.
I hope you will find a way, to find the time, to find yourselves in Lot K, George Mason University next Tuesday, in time for our 7:00 pm rally. Need directions? Here you go: http://faceadvocacy.org/GMU_Map.pdf. Need more information? Please visit www.faceadvocacy.org.
Remember, we can have whatever we want, if we're willing to work for it, and sometimes, fight for it. As we work to save elementary (and in reality, ALL) music in Fairfax County, the time for planning has ended. The time for action is upon us.
See you Tuesday!
D
--
Denny Stokes
From: Denny Stokes <denny.stokes@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Subject: An earnest request
Greetings Friends.
As you know, the FACE rally takes place this Tuesday, 7:00 pm, at the Center for the Arts, George Mason University. I am sending this last email, asking each of you to personally consider the thoughts below, and to share this communication with everyone who would join us in helping to preserve the elementary instrumental music program in Fairfax County.
Ours is a remarkable county, made so by remarkable people who are "doers," in the community, the nation and beyond. It is also a community of very busy people. I write this reminder tonight, knowing that many want to help in our efforts, while still tending to the myriad responsibilities of careers, families...and booster groups! In this setting, a most understandable sentiment could well be: "I'd be happy to help in any concrete way possible, I understand the needs, and I don't really need to be 'rallied'."
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The reality of our dilemma is that there really are no "bad guys" in this process. I am sure, that under different circumstances, our superintendent, our school board, and our county board of supervisors would have no interest in taking on the thorny, difficult, heart-wrenching decisions such as (but not limited to) cutting elementary instrumental music. And yet, here we are.
If I, like they, had to answer to the electorate every few years, I would be paying close attention to these issues, hoping to sort out that which is a "want" from that which is truly visceral in the hearts of the community. I would be impressed by a cogent, thoughtful articulation of the value of music education. But I would be compelled to action by the presence of throngs of people, each one of whom represent the wishes of many more voters. As I see it, it is our job to help make it easier for our leaders to do their job, to find the ways and the means to continue the current music instruction, even in these difficult times.
Do you matter in this process? I have performed many times at the GMU Center for the Arts. It is a lovely facility. It is also BIG. A thousand people will not fill it. Two thousand will make GREAT video! Yes, you matter. The car-load of people you bring with you matters. A room full FACE tee shirts, uniforms and school colors matter. There will be decision-makers at the rally, specifically to gauge the "level of energy," as I was told today. What will they find?
The rally itself will be most informative, and will help equip everyone with the rationale and facts needed as we move into the upcoming decision-making process. Everyone who attends will hear words of hope, while also making the powerful statement of a determined electorate.
I hope you will find a way, to find the time, to find yourselves in Lot K, George Mason University next Tuesday, in time for our 7:00 pm rally. Need directions? Here you go: http://faceadvocacy.org/GMU_Map.pdf. Need more information? Please visit www.faceadvocacy.org.
Remember, we can have whatever we want, if we're willing to work for it, and sometimes, fight for it. As we work to save elementary (and in reality, ALL) music in Fairfax County, the time for planning has ended. The time for action is upon us.
See you Tuesday!
D
--
Denny Stokes
