Holly Springs Sun 

 Aug. 26, 2010 edition

Art smarts begin in school. This is the message the Holly Springs Community Band (HSCB) is sharing with its inaugural “I ♥ the Arts” contest. The competition’s organizers seek to showcase the link between visual and musical works, while highlighting the success of art education classes in public schools.

Contest participation is open to fourth- and fifth-graders attending Holly Springs schools, or residing in the town’s area. There are two categories: holiday and overall music. Students may compete only in one category. Participants must create original artwork with a holiday or general music theme. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m. Entry forms and additional information are available on the band’s website: www.hollyspringsband.net.

Two winners receive a $50 savings bond. They’ll also see their design featured in the programs for the band’s upcoming concerts. In the holiday design category, the artwork will be shown on the program cover for the HSCB’s holiday concert on Dec. 9 at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. The winning entry in the overall music category will be the cover art on the program for the band’s 2011 spring concert. The winners will be announced during the December concert.

“This competition reflects how kids develop artistically in schools,” said Karin Nielson, the band’s publicist. “It also demonstrates to young artists how their efforts are to be praised not only by their parents and teachers, but by the overall community as well.”

The event comes in the wake of a new statewide task force developing a comprehensive K-12 arts education plan. The group’s members, appointed by the NC Board of Education, will act under the provisions of Senate Bill 66. In addition to the plan, the legislation calls for arts education as a graduation requirement, and further support of the A+ Schools program. The nationally recognized education reform movement focuses upon the study and the integration of the arts into the entire curriculum. The task force’s recommendations are due by Dec. 1 to the N.C. Joint Education Oversight Committee.

Numerous studies substantiate the popular belief about art and music classes improving academic achievement in elementary and high schools. This translates into higher test scores, improved grades in math and other subjects, greater concentration, and creative thinking skills. Such tools prepare students in cultural arts classes to successfully enter the professional career environment.

Even as adults, outside the work realm, they can still embrace their talents. When the HSCB members practice every Wednesday night in the cultural center, Nielson said that’s exactly what she sees. “Some of us have music degrees, some of us don’t. Some have played professionally. It’s really common for us to play in other bands, too,” she added. “We share a love for music and the arts as a whole. We want kids to feel the same passion, whether it’s playing an instrument, creating beautiful pictures, or acting on stage.”

The band strives for a kid-friendly approach. They performed in a May fundraiser at Primrose School in Holly Springs. The spring concert kicked off with a tribute to area Boy Scouts. They’ve also played at the July 4 festivities and HollyFest, both at Womble Park, and the Holly Springs Farmer’s Market in downtown Holly Springs.