To the editor:

I appreciated Dave Ranney’s Feb. 22 article regarding the Lawrence music ensembles invited to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Assn. convention in Wichita. One omission, however, was the impressive number of Lawrence students who were selected to perform in the all-state band, choir or orchestra at this same prestigious event. This year, Free State and Lawrence High schools boasted a combined total of 37 all-state musicians, further testimony to the outstanding quality of music education in our community.

As one who journeyed to Wichita to enjoy these memorable KMEA performances, I am proud to report that these young musicians represented our community with tremendous poise and talent, eliciting standing ovations from appreciative audiences. I just wish that more district administrators had been on hand to hear these exceptional performances and the subsequent accolades for Lawrence musicians, and their music teachers, which echoed throughout Century II that weekend.

The state choir conductor even arranged his rehearsal schedule so he could hear the Free State Chamber Choir perform to a standing-room-only crowd. It was obvious that the excellent reputation of music education in Lawrence is far-reaching.

If we are to truly embrace our reputation as a city of the arts, however, continuing efforts must be made to acknowledge our stellar musicians, thespians, dancers, artists and their teachers just as our city’s athletes and coaches are regularly acclaimed. Whether we celebrate bravado on the football field or bravos in a concert hall, all of our talented youth deserve recognition. Thank you, Mr. Ranney!

Diana Seely Frederick,

Lawrence