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Join Me in Listening to More Than 135 Vermont Students Celebrate the Arts

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

This Saturday, something truly remarkable happened on a stage in Castleton, Vermont. More than 135 Vermont students, ages 8 to 23 and from around the state joined me at Vermont State University Castleton for a choral concert and town meeting on the importance of arts education in our schools and communities.

During our conversation, I heard many of these young people highlight a fact that many elected officials in Washington struggle to understand: the arts are essential in our lives and in our schools. The arts are NOT just something nice to have if there’s enough money left over in the budget.  

Whether it is through music, theater, dance, painting, or beyond, the arts play a foundational role in our daily lives and our common humanity. As human beings, the arts are how we learn who we are and think about the world we want to live in. Art fuels us in moments where hope feels far away. Quite simply, where there is art, there is hope.

If you weren’t one of the nearly 350 Vermonters who joined us in person for the concert, you can watch it here. 

Saturday’s concert would not have been possible without a number of educators who gave their time. Thank you to guest conductor Dr. Sherrill Blodget; music education workshop leader Marissa Valent; and the many tireless teachers for helping to make this event possible. I also want to thank Castleton students and chamber singers who mentored the younger singers throughout the day. Thank you to all the students for participating, the parents for encouraging their kids in the arts, principals and school administrators who made it possible for these students to take part in the day, and every Vermonter who stands up for the arts in their own communities.

I am proud to stand with you.

Sincerely,

P.S.  If you are interested in having your school participate in our next choral concert, please click here.