I think schools do the most harm by neglecting music. Since the tax revolts of the late 1970's, music instruction has become increasingly rare in public schools here in California. When I haunt used bookstores, I often find songbooks that were published for schools by the State of California. They were wonderful! A wide variety of songs, and colorful illustrations. I suppose they did sanitize some of the more controversial lyrics, but not horribly so. I think it's a shame kids don't get that nowadays. I suppose music classes are available, but they're no longer part of the everyday curriculum for all students.
I'm a product of 16 years of Catholic education, and I had music class every semester. I think those classes exposed me to a wide variety of music, and I'm grateful for that. I'm especially thankful to my German teacher, Father Robert Mueller of Milwaukee, who inspired me to memorize a couple dozen German drinking songs.
-Joe Offer-