Why music? Why should we sing?

According to a nationwide survey taken in 2003 by the Gallup organization, 95% of Americans believe that music is a key component in a child's well-rounded education. Eighty percent of respondents agreed that music aids in academic achievement and 88% believe participation in music helps teach children discipline. We know that singing in a choir is the most active form of music-making in our country: an estimated 42.6 million Americans participate in a community, civic, or church chorus. We also know that participation in a chorus program also promotes community connectedness and builds social capital that can help to bridge major societal barriers such as race, religion, class, and ethnicity.

Words of our Singers

CCSA believes the programs and initiatives we offer to children in our metropolitan area augment the diminishing opportunities currently available through the public schools and early childhood programs and, more importantly, increase the potential impact we have on the lives of children and youth in San Antonio. The words of our recent graduating seniors speak volumes:

• When you’re a child your parents make you do things that they think will be best for you, regardless of your opinion. When older, you do those things of your own free will. And when you grow up, you finish doing those substantial things… The values and work ethic instilled within me over my ten years in CCSA… will further inspire my success in the future.” – Sarah Janes
• “Being a member of the Chorus has been a wonderful experience with many life lessons learned… As I prepare to leave for college… I am able to see just how much CCSA has contributed to my growth not only as a musician, but as a person.” – Meagan Featherston
• “My membership in the (CCSA) has… taught me to express my passion for music… It has also taught me things that go far and beyond into the realms of principles and maturity. I have grown in the ethics of responsibility and have learned to be committed to something and strive with all effort to follow and stick to it. It has also helped me to grow independent and learn to handle things on my own accord,” – Matthew Aragones

Whether they grow up to be the next Pavarotti or the next music teacher of the year, or whether they become doctors, lawyers, home-makers or baseball players, we believe that the confidence, poise, maturity, self-esteem, and discipline they learn as part of their participation in a CCSA program will help them to achieve success in life and translate into future generations of productive citizens that actively support and contribute to the culture and economy of San Antonio and beyond.

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