I would definitely have to agree with you Liz, (and Mr. Jones as well...) that community involvement is essential. I was also very fortunate to have grown up in a place where school was the heart of the community. There is an energy created and a sense of unity throughout a town that is united through a common good; the good being the children and their education. Whether it was a sports event, or a music concert, there was always a positive turn-out from the community to support their children's endevors. My school was used during after hours and on the weekend for many different events, including adult classes which offered language, music and other various studies. The older students (at the high school level) went to the younger schools every year (maybe more sometimes) to recruit and maintain the music programs. Our tri-m music honor society always made sure to get high school musicians to go to the middle school, (where for some reason music seemed to take a back seat to 5 day a week phys ed.) to promote the music program and show them that it really is "cool" to play an instrument or be in the choir. This was very successful, because the younger kids always looked up to the older kids. Nonetheless, my point is that creating that sense of togetherness and community will stimulate the entire surrounding environment that is "community." Positive vibes are contagious and so is music appreciation!