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State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. Yet the arts remain squeezed by tight budgets and test-driven performance standards. This series highlights efforts to protect and promote school arts programs.

‘Free to Try, Free to Do Your Best’

Byron Center Charles Honey

For some students, inspiration came from a science teacher's lesson on the expanding universe. For others, it was reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" for...

‘World-Class’ Band Program Thrives on Community Support

Godwin Heights Erin Albanese

Drive down 36th Street SW between Buchanan and Division on a fall day, and the sound of trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes and drums fills...

‘You Find Yourself Striving to be Greater at Something’

State of the Arts Linda Odette

Noah Miller and Heather Price, both 2016 district graduates, are members of the Western Michigan University Marching Bronco Band and got to play at...