HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.037 2008-2010Dear Council Member,
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March 19, 2010
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With the quality of life and well being of kupuna and the keiki of our island
of utmost importance I implore you to please t Trlstate n ikito the
County Band for the upcoming year. Wher €€l�ariyou see all the generations
of Hawai'i islanders gather on a regular basis besides at church a parade or at a
monthly concert of the band?
I have been a music teacher for over 30 years both here and the
mainland. I know first hand how important live music is to inspire passion in
young children as well as how music comforts the aging soul of our elders. The
County Band serves these needs in a way that no other organization on our
island can do.
Attendance to special events such as these is a long - standing tradition
among many local families. Picking up an ice shave and then gathering a the
gazebo for a noon time concert are memory making events that have been going
on for generation after generation here in Hilo, please don't let them stop.
The band has been a source of pride on the Big Island. The professional
musicians in the band are first rate. Along with Paul Areceo and the bandmasters
that have preceded him the band members serve as wonderful role models to
our children. I am sure you can agree we can never have too many excellent and
talented models for our keiki.
I know that no one on the council needs reminding that the County Band is
a minuscule part of the Parks and Recreation budget. However, their service and
visibility are anything but small. The band and their music are far - reaching and
accessible to all our citizens and visitors alike. Basically they are the biggest
bang for the buck you possibly get all wrapped up in one topnotch, professional
and entertaining package.
As Oliver Wendell Holmes once stated -"Take a music bath once or twice
a week for a few seasons and you will find that it is to the soul what the water -
bath is to the body." As you review the budget please reinstate the County
Band, don't deprive the Big Islanders of this soul enriching experience. From
keiki to kupuna and those of us in between, without our band, we will all be the
big losers please don't let that happen.
� Res s p ` ectfuIlly,, '
Cynthia Debus
3071 Kaiwiki Road
Hilo, Hawai'i
Comm. No.
Ref. To;
Ref. Dote
R 22 202 .