There is no greater purpose than the development of the arts through teaching students. Success can be achieved.   As music advocates for the arts, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our students throughout the state and the nation. As we begin this new era in music education I ask myself, “What are we doing in our schools and neighborhoods?”  It has been proven again and again that involvement in music and the arts fosters creativity ... and, as we all are faced with this economy,  we are searching for stimulus as citizens, parents, and teachers. As a music community we are seeking more creative answers for everything.  We have the power to mold the newest generation of students and to guide the development of that creativity.    Music is the tool that allows us to live outside the box!  As we work toward more effectively fostering our creative recourses as a state, it is my charge to protect these ideals in order to take the leap into the next Era of Hope and Prosperity......