A wise man once said, “Music causes us to think eloquently.” Believing that to be true, I wish to respond to the writer (letter of Dec. 6) who would have me shot with “grapeshot” because I am a music student in the public education system.

Respectfully and sincerely, I would cordially invite him to attend our upcoming Warren Central Madrigal Singe Feaste, but due to the generous support of the Vicksburg community, we performed to sold out audiences all three evenings.

Instead, I issue a kind invitation of our upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” in February. I believe our performances, for which we, the students, along with benefactors in the community, raise the funds to produce, will illustrate, better than I ever could in words, the value of an education that includes the arts.

As a result of the education I have received, I intend to major in music, and will most likely pay for my college education using the exceptional musical background I have been provided in this school district. In his letter, the author wrote that music “does little good in a world…” and that he valued the “basics” of education and vocational training. Like him, I value education in these areas. However, I also value education in technical, environmental and biological sciences. I value mathematical and language education. Social sciences and historical studies are of equal importance. Education in life skills is critical. I value athletic, health and physical education.

Just because I have not participated in al of these academic areas, does not mean I am so unenlightened or narrow-minded as to think they are not of value to producing productive citizens in our community. I believe all of these areas of educational focus, including the arts, are “basic,” and should be offered to students.

From the viewpoint of a student, it appears a very complex and demanding task to provide an education to all students, readying each student to become an integral part of our society. As a forward-thinking society, it seems to me, we must provide an education which educates the whole child. Simultaneously, we must educate each child individually specific to their own areas of interest and giftedness, whether this is a technical field or singing in Italian.

It seems to me that is exactly what our school district is attempting to do, and in contradiction to the letter, I believe I have been afforded a very “relevant” education. I will close with this personal thought: If music education were silenced with “grapeshot,” I believe that much of the kindness, hope, generosity, civility, joy and happiness that may be found in our society would also be silenced. I, for one, with the help of God, the education I have received from the Vicksburg Warren School District, and the supportive citizens of Vicksburg, intend to sing on!

Grace Claire Cordes

Vicksburg