Future of school arts programs concerns parents

Potential changes to fine arts programs in Alberta's public schools have some parents and students worried.

Alberta Education is reviewing its arts curriculum and asking for feedback online from parents.

A short document posted online emphasizes the importance of an arts education, but parent Lyle Bennett said details of what programs such as band and drama might look like in the future are missing.

"That's where I think a lot of the concern and consternation comes from parents and teachers and community people that are involved in the arts," he said.

Alberta Education spokesperson Erica McDonald said there are few details in the document because the curriculum hasn't been devised yet. Parents and students have until the end of next January to make comments and suggestions on the document through Alberta Education's website.

Hoping to gather together others who shared his concerns, Bennett started a group called Save Our Fine Arts. They are meeting Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour on Fairmont Drive in the southeast.

"Just trying to make sure that our voices are heard so that our children will have as good an opportunity if not a better opportunity than they do now for an arts education," he said.

At Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School, saxophone player Sam Gregory said he found the document worrisome.

"No where in the draft does it say that these ensembles are going to keep existing. We can learn the music but how do you become a professional musician if you've never stood on a stage and performed? Again, it's a lack of information."