Tehachapi News

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Jacobsen Middle School students, parents and teachers were shaken up earlier this month, when the state’s education budget cuts opened what for the Tehachapi Unified School District could become a deep, $1.1 million dollar wound, bleeding out various educational and extracurricular programs dollar by dollar.

Most notably targeted was the middle and high school choir programs, which the board’s Feb. 25 agenda proposed to retire, along with the long-time music instructor for both middle and high schools. A similar, attritional farewell was bid last year to drama programs, when long-time drama teacher, Nancy Grecian, made her final TUSD curtain call, leaving behind an empty stage and no positive outlet for many students to act upon.

In the face of such an artless prospect, local parent volunteer and long-time private dance, music and arts instructor, Debby Gamble, quickly orchestrated a peaceful protest to help save the arts in Tehachapi’s schools. Choir students sang the National Anthem with tender notes and hearts touching the audience of supporters who voiced their passionate concerns for the TUSD board.

At the moment, Gamble’s cause seems to have won the approval and support of the board, as well as a large community of arts in education enthusiasts.
Gamble and fellow volunteer and accomplished artist, Elisa Stepp, are currently orchestrating what for a large group of middle schoolers is to date, their magnum opus: A Kaleidescope of Talent — A Celebration of the Arts.

The Jacobsen Middle School talent show, is scheduled for March 19, at 6:30 p.m.

If there was ever an opportunity to “celebrate the arts” in education, this is Tehachapi’s open casting call. A casting call for an audience of supporters who will stand and applaud the students who are inspired to achieve according to their unique talents, and who strive to inspire others. Applaud those children who excel  in learning about the world from a creative perspective that simply doesn’t translate into standardized testing.

Join the parent volunteers, the teachers and the students at JMS on March 19, for a celebration of their talents. Reward their drive to make learning a memorable and artful experience with your support.

You can support all TUSD students by voicing your concerns for proper funding of all educational programs to your state legislators. See page A2 for their mobile office hours and contact information.

— Carin Enovijas, Editor