Music Students Make the Paper

Attribution

Ella Wilcox, editor, Music Educators Journal

Item Text

A music teacher in northern Wisconsin who taught Suzuki violin to many students, including those with behavioral issues and having challenges like Down syndrome, wanted to invite the public to a free concert performed by these young people.  The editor of the local paper refused to publish a picture of the group and an announcement of the concert on the grounds that the event was not, in his opinion, “newsworthy.”

The music teacher asked, “If any of these young people got into trouble, wouldn’t you publish their names and pictures in a police report?”  The editor agreed that he would.  “Well,” said the music teacher, “if that’s the case, why not report the fact that they’re doing something good and offering a gift to the public?  Why should people buy a paper that only says bad thing about kids?”

 The editor published the announcement and picture, and the well-attended concert elicited many favorable letters to the editor, which he published. Interestingly, partly due to their musical involvement, none of the young people ever was the subject of a police report, and all went on to become hardworking and productive citizens.

Links

www.menc.org

Submitter Information

• Name: Ella Wilcox
• Email: ellaw@menc.org