Fine arts should be a part of every student’s education. Lately, Auburn Union School District has cut down the fine arts. Year by year there are fewer music, drama and art classes available. At Skyridge (my elementary school), there has been no visual and performing arts teacher for three years. Band was cut this year and no structured music classes were available (excepting some after-school, for-a-fee options). The middle school has some opportunities, but only as electives. E.V. Cain has band, as well as trimesters of art and video drama. There is no choir. Other local districts have fine arts within their general curriculum. In Lincoln, every K-6 student takes music classes. They read notes, sight sing and play rhythms. Yuba City has violin classes offered within the school day. Fine arts education is essential. Studies show that music education improves math and IQ scores. The fine arts teach you to open your mind and be more aware. They allow you to experiment and be free within certain rules. They are another way to express yourself. If students do not learn to exercise their creativity it will slowly die. “Without music, what will there be to read and write about?” MORGAN BALDRIDGE, student, Auburn