ABSTRACT
I was lucky. I know I was lucky because I visit schools. I have seen all kinds. I can tell when I walk in the door if a school is “balanced” or “unbalanced.” (We do have two sides of the brain to consider.) A “balanced” school has a beat. An enthusiasm. Writing and art projects fl utter on the walls. Science projects clutter the halls. Th e sound of a band rehearsing comes from somewhere. Th ere is a joyousness in such a school. A purpose. An “unbalanced” school lacks that excitement. Empty halls echo, and something is missing. I know tests are a way of life. But surely, much more is accomplished when music and art are present. Th ey make learning fun, and gratify a young person’s need for emotional and creative expression. My own pen gets stuck without music. Th ough I need quiet to concentrate and gather my thoughts, in most other situations-certainly drawing or painting my illustrations-music makes my hand fl ow.
