The Seattle Public Schools would be doing an incredible disservice to their students and our community, if they did not offer Music for Every Child.  If indeed their mission is "Academic Achievement for Every Student in Every School", it seems only appropriate to recognize that many do not learn in traditional ways, therefore needing alternative outlets for learning.  Numerous studies have been done relating students' studying music to success in academia.  In addition, musicians are known for their strong work ethic, team work, creativity, keen memory skills, leadership ability, time management practices, perserverence, and strong passion.  It would be a detriment to take the opportunity for SPS students to hone these skills away - recognizing that this is the only way many of our students will learn and develop them.