A Cheerleader for Music Education

Mrs. Kara Baldino, music teacher at Richmond Street School, is a devoted cheerleader for music education and for the ESEF. Fueled by a passion for music education and deep appreciation of the Foundation's support for the District's music program, she enthusiastically educates parents about the ESEF's existence, purpose, and goals and raises money at school music concerts.

"As a music teacher, I have a unique opportunity to talk to hundreds of parents during concerts. Some still do not realize we have an Educational Foundation or understand what the ESEF does. If I can help get the word out, then I believe I should," says Baldino.
photo provided by Jon Barber

With the help of a parent who created a donation box, Mrs. Baldino spoke to the audience at each of her winter concerts, asking them to consider a contribution to the Foundation. She also mentioned the ESEF in the concert program. "We raised some money, but more importantly we got the word out that the ESEF exists, that it funds programs parents care about, and that it relies on the community for support," she shares.

The support that the ESEF provides to the District's music program is vital. Baldino credits the Foundation with saving general and choral music programs District-wide and points out that without elementary music programs to expose children to the fundamentals, the middle and high school programs would quickly decline.

photo provided by Jon Barber
The elementary years are the ideal time to expose children to the benefits of music education. "Music reaches kids in a way the traditional learning environment can't. It's social, it's kinesthetic, it allows for constant self reflection, it's linguistic, it's mathematical, and it requires spatial reasoning as well -- it easily lends itself to teaching children though their multiple intelligences. Students also learn about the rewards that can come from hard work," Baldino explains. She's noticed that students, who may have difficulty in other
classes, have a chance to shine in music classes. "It's a subject that can create a feeling of pride and pure joy in a child. Joyful children at school – that's a wonderful thing," she shares.

Baldino believes the benefits of music education extend far beyond the walls of her classroom. "School music programs improve the quality of life for our entire town," she explains, noting the children's choir performance in the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and the community's traditional Spring Sing. "It affects more than just the children who participate. If it weren't for ESEF, there very well might not be elementary music programs in El Segundo," she says.

The state's budget cuts give Baldino cause for concern because of the potential to lose valuable programs, resources, or personnel which will inevitably affect the children. "We're in the profession of helping children, so this is difficult to swallow," she says.

Both professionally and personally, Baldino has become a self-appointed cheerleader for the ESEF. She is grateful that, through ESEF support, she's able to follow her passion for teaching music to El Segundo's children. On a personal level, this mother wants the very best education possible for her two young boys, including a quality music program at every level of their education. "I want a well-rounded education for my children that will help them succeed in this competitive, complex, beautiful world – an education that feeds their minds as well as their hearts and souls. I believe ESEF wants the same thing, so I'm a cheerleader," she explains.