The state of Georgia ranks No. 52 in its funding of the arts. Strictly speaking, we rank 50th, since Guam and Puerto Rico should technically not be counted as states. Georgia invests 14 cents per person annually with an arts budget of $1.5 million. Other surrounding states had much higher numbers: North Carolina with 84 cents, Alabama at $1.28, Tennessee at $1.47, South Carolina with $2.16 and Florida at $2.71, up from $1.41 last year.
Are we Georgians missing the boat? Are we and our political leaders perhaps not considering the profound and lasting impact the arts have on a wide array of our fellow citizens? Consider what just one arts organization, The Georgia Symphony Orchestra, delivers with its shoestring budget. How much more quality of life could GSO and groups like it spread around with just a bit more funding?
As a top-rated orchestra, GSO is of course loved by aficionados of classical music. The 100-plus strong chorus adds to that experience. GSO Jazz with its “Big Band” spirit injects this oh-so-American musical style into the 73-year-old institution. But that’s only the obvious value…
The compelling value of GSO truly begins to shine through its service to our Youth and Military Veterans. Consider that the GYSO, The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, is the largest in the Southeast and annually serves over 300 students from 14 counties. GSO Music Director Tim Verville succinctly describes what GYSO accomplishes: “We build better humans.”
Study after scientific study shows a direct, causal link from learning, practicing and performing music to better academic performance. The GYSO record speaks for itself. Since its inception 18 years ago, all but one orchestra member has been accepted into college. The lone exception opted for a career in the U.S. Army!
In addition to academic performance, the same studies also demonstrate the links between fewer behavioral issues and even enhanced athletic performance and musical study. The discipline and accountability that is part and parcel of GYSO membership helps build the character needed to become a productive, contributing citizen.
The special needs youth community is another focus of GSO. The Sensory Friendly series is specifically designed for children with autism and their families. There is rarely a dry eye in the place following these performances. As usual, a Mom put it best: “As a mother of a son with special needs…to see him be able to come and experience the music without limitations. When you think of typical appropriate concert behavior, some of his behaviors could be distracting for others. But in this concert, he can experience the power of the full orchestra and you can
see how it opens up and unlocks different parts of his brain. It’s an extreme sensory gift that he gets to immerse himself in.”
And then there’s the GSO Venues of Valor program. This series of small-ensemble concerts for veterans and active duty military personnel is conducted at various locations including the VA Hospital, the Veterans Empowerment Organization and sites for Deployment Ceremonies. The healing power of music at these performances can be palpable.
Without doubt, the public at large is well served by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. More significantly, participating youth get better grades and are more thoroughly prepared for adult life. Children with autism get the rare experience of the healing power of music. Veterans get all of the above– plus the recognition and thanks they so richly deserve.
Donate now! We as Georgians simply cannot remain 52nd out of 52!
Todd Youngblood is member of the GSO Board and a parent who saw his daughter’s academic performance improve in sync with her musical career.
