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(Left to right) Glen Christensen, representative of the Fine Arts Council, Minister of Education Gene Zwozdesky and Thomas Lukaszuk, PC MLA for Edmonton Castle-Downs, examine students’ artwork. Photo by Koni Macdonald.
Laurence Miall
The Alberta legislature became an impromptu live theatre on April 18 as students from five schools displayed their talents and passion in support of Motion 505 and the fine arts.
Introduced by Denis Herard, PC MLA for Calgary-Egmont, Motion 505 asked that the "government consider the benefits of requiring five credits in Fine Arts as a condition for high school graduation in the Province." The motion was passed unanimously. This was music to the ears of Peter McWhir, past president of the ATA’s Fine Arts Council, who orchestrated the evening at the legislature.
"It was exciting and educational," McWhir said of the event. The motion sends a clear message to Alberta Education that "the arts are worth it… the arts are valuable."
Those lucky enough to be at the legislature were treated to performances by a concert band from Bishop McNally High School in Calgary, a dance routine by students from Edmonton’s Eastglen High School, a choral recital by students of Edmonton’s Victoria School for the Performing Arts, and a scene from Peter Pan, performed by young actors from Hunting Hills School in Red Deer. Spectators also admired art displays by students from Louis St. Laurent High School in Edmonton. McWhir reported with pride how all the students "gave a magnificent performance" and described the feeling in the air as "electric."
Afterwards, the ATA News talked to two performers: Samantha Wright-Peterson, a Grade 10 student from Hunting Hills High School, who appeared in the Peter Pan scene; and Stefan Herlein, a Grade 12 student from Bishop McNally, who played drums for the concert band. Both students were enthusiastic about the success of their performances and are wholehearted advocates of the arts. "I think it [the arts] is something all people should experience," Herlein said. Gerhard Kruschke, a choir teacher from Victoria School for the Performing Arts, was in full agreement. "I don’t think arts are an option. Arts are integral to the development of the whole person," he said.
In the legislature, MLAs debating the motion expressed similar sentiments. Speaking in support of his own motion, Denis Herard said: "The last 20 years have produced volumes of research that provides convincing evidence that learning music, dance, drama, or art helps kids learn better, live better, enjoy a better quality of life, and become better citizens." David Eggen, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Calder, expressed the view that "citizens that are well educated in the arts, I believe, have a more balanced view of life and are more capable of enjoying the world."
Perhaps the strongest endorsement of Motion 505 came from Minister of Education Gene Zwozdesky: "The arts breathe an incredible amount of oxygen into our daily living," he said. "They impact the cultural, the social and the economic life of our province, and they yield enormous benefits for our young students as they go about acquiring the knowledge, the skills, and the abilities to take their place as contributing citizens."
Motion 505 is not binding legislation and does not require government action but will likely prompt a study on implementing its recommendations. Its unanimous support by MLAs concluded an upbeat evening for all Albertans who care about the arts—especially those teachers and students who made the legislature walls ring with music and laughter.
