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AACAP FIGHTS TO SAVE MUSIC PROGRAMS By Michelle Migliazza "Save the music!" will soon be heard throughout the streets of Stamford, CT, at a rally formed to save the cultural arts programs in the community. The African American Cultural Arts Group, whose members are planning the rally, began in 1994, by citizens who wanted to make positive changes in the town. Denise Epps, the President of the AACAP, said that she formed the organization in order to try to keep the arts and music education programs a predominant part of Stamford. "My hope is that children will continue to grow up with musical and cultural benefits in their lives," Epps said. "In putting together the organization, as well as the rally, my main goal is to educate people on the importance of the cultural arts." Members of the African American Cultural Arts Program, an organization that is focused on teaching art and dance to young minorities in the city, will gather this weekend to speak about the importance of musical education in the community. Falita Nunez, a 22-year-old, vice president and active member of the AACAP said that the idea for the rally was formed after one of the organization's sponsors withdrew support. "We wanted to take this time to show people that we take our cultural arts program very seriously," said Nunez. "We want the community to get a better understanding of what culture, music and art does for a child." By rallying, members of the AACAP felt that this would give them an opportunity to be noticed and gain support by other people in the city. Nunez said that she believed the rally would hopefully help the organization to gain more sponsors to help keep the cultural arts programs growing. "We need all the help we can get to keep the program expanding for the next few years," said Nunez. "Hopefully, this rally will encourage more businesses to contribute to the program which will help us with the expense of activities, classes and equipment." Sophia Colby, a 42-year-old homemaker with two kids, said that when she heard about the rally she believed that it was going to be a success. Colby said that she feels that not enough attention is focused on music in schools and in the community. "I just moved here from New York City, and the school my son attended recently eliminated the music education program," said Colby. "I think the AACAP is doing a great job in trying to get people involved in fighting to keep culture in our lives." Other members of the community have been skeptical. Jamie Lawson, a 36-year-old banker from a surrounding city, said that most people do not care enough about music education and activities to join in on the rally. "My friend is in the AACAP and although I support the program fully, I just don't think that people are interested in this issue like the organization has been," Lawson said. "Unfortunately, I think that a lot of the people here are too busy with their own lives to get involved." Although some may agree with Lawson, more have a stronger belief in the cause and the people of the community. "When it comes to their kid's lives, you would be surprised about how many people will come out and show their support," President Epps said. "I think parents now are more concerned than ever about the way their children are growing up and hopefully they will join us in our fight." The "fight" that Epps was referring to is the rally that will be taking place locally. Epps and other AACAP members will be marching and having fund-raisers to raise money for their cultural arts activities. "The money that we raise will go directly to the center for the kids," said Epps. "We want to use the money to form more dance and art classes to give kids a safe place to go and learn." Epps is not the only one involved in this worthy cause. Parents recently got a chance to express their thoughts on the AACAP and the positive aspects of the program. Susanne Montgomery, a 45-year-old teacher, said that she is thankful for the program because it gives her daughter a place to go after school that is fun and educational at the same time. "My child has been going to the AACAP for over 2 years now and she loves it," said Montgomery. "Instead of getting into trouble or staying at home alone when I'm at work, my daughter gets to experience the cultural aspects of life." Montgomery said that she and other parents of the town are planning to attend the rally and working there as well. "I'm going to help out with the fund-raisers and the children from the program will be joining us that day too," said Montgomery. "We keep the kids involved in everything because we want to show them how important this is for them." Throughout the day, there will also be activities for the children of the community. Cultural dances, songs and food will be shared with the people of the town. "We want to make this event memorable for everyone," Montgomery said. "We want people to support us because they believe in our cause, not simply because they feel that they have to because their kids are apart of the program." Brooke Johnson, a member of the AACAP said that the rally is going to be for the entire weekend. "Since this isn't a typical rally, we wanted to make it a whole weekend with the activities lasting for 2 days," Johnson said. "We're going to have signs all around as well as members of the program helping out with the festivities." Johnson also said that she doesn't want people to get the wrong idea about the rally. "We're not doing this for self-profit and our actions won't be hostile," said Johnson. "We're having this day to get people involved and shed some positive light on our program in hopes to grab people's interest." Johnson also said that she wants people to see the statistics on the benefits of music and art programs in a child's life. "Kids that take music and art classes throughout their life are said to do better in academics than other students," Johnson said. "People need to understand that music and art programs aren't just fun activities, they're a major asset to the learning process of children all around the world." Johnson went on to say that most people aren't aware of the actual benefits of including cultural programs, literature, and classes in the school's curriculum. "Kids are coming to our center instead of hanging out on the streets or with the wrong crowd," Johnson said. "Every day that these kids step foot into the center they learn something new and experience other cultural traditions from around the world." Johnson also said that without the support of sponsors, the AACAP would not be able to expand its program. "We are holding this rally for our children," Johnson said. "I only hope people will take this opportunity to come out and show their support to keep culture alive and well in our children's lives."