1st Annual Principals Conference

Principals and leaders from ETM-LA partner schools gathered at the centrally located Beverly Garland Hotel on Friday, October 23, 2009 for the first Annual Principals Luncheon to share and plan strategic goals for sustaining long-term music education programs.    The conference brought together both veteran and new principals and school leaders.

Executive Director Victoria Lanier opened the luncheon celebrating the principals’ achievements, leadership, and strong advocacy for music and the arts in their schools as core to the curriculum for every child.  The attendees shared how music has created a positive impact on student performance and motivation in school, as well as the effect on galvanizing parent and community participation.  Kathy Fitzpatrick from St. Ignatius (2^nd year ETM-LA Partner School) noted how the program has brought a creative and artistic outlet necessary for all children’s overall development.  Cheuk Choi, Principal of Castelar Elementary Public School (4^th year ETM-LA Partner) shared how the parents have become vocal advocates for the music program.

Overcoming the effects of the current economic crisis and the California’s budget deficit and developing strategic goals for sustainability were strong points of discussion. Principals Ed Hermeno of St. Sebastian (4^th year ETM-LA Partner School ) and Mr. Choi both shared how they have retained funding in diverse ways, including connecting to community district leaders, partnering with parents as a unilateral voice to vote for and keeping funding for the arts,  and maintaining strong relationships with other important funders. Collaborating with parents and involving the PTA, both commented that their schools have been able to sustain and allocate funding for the arts because music has become a beacon of hope and joy for their community.

Principals noted how the conference was beneficial for them, “allowing them to learn best-practices from one another” and “find solutions to challenges that others have already successfully dealt with”.  Others shared that connecting with other like-minded principals who are dedicated to the arts and music for their school community elevated their resolve and gave them new strategies.