Parents Step Up for Music Education in Long Beach
Commentary inspired by reporting from Mary Plummer (89.3 KPCC) and Nadra Nittle (Long Beach Press-Telegram)
When school budgets fall short, parents often step in—and that’s exactly what happened at Longfellow Elementary in Long Beach, California. As reported by Mary Plummer of KPCC and Nadra Nittle in the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the school’s PTA made the bold decision to fund additional music instruction, raising $20,000 to double the number of days students receive music education each week.
This is a powerful example of community-driven support for the arts in education. While public schools across the country strive to offer a well-rounded education, music and arts programs are often the first to face cuts. According to the most recent federal data (2009–2010), 94% of public elementary schools offered music, but far fewer had consistent programs in visual arts, drama, or dance.
At Longfellow Elementary, parents refused to accept the bare minimum. With funds from a successful jog-a-thon, they chose to invest directly in their children’s creative development, reinforcing a longstanding commitment to the arts. Principal Laurie Murrin credits the school’s strong choral tradition to years of dedicated parent involvement.
At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we see firsthand how music education helps students grow—not just musically, but socially, emotionally, and academically. Stories like this remind us that it takes a village to sustain the arts. When schools and families work together, students benefit enormously.
We applaud the Longfellow Elementary PTA for valuing music and taking real action to expand access. It’s a model worth celebrating—and emulating.
Leave a Reply