NOTE (May 2026): This web site was originally created in 2010 in response to proposed cuts to the music programs in Gilbert Public Schools, Gilbert Arizona. For 30 years, GPS had grown into a powerhouse gold standard of music education. It was shocking that cuts were under consideration. A groundswell of community support sent a very clear message that music education matters and is core to education, especially in Gilbert, and that cutting back the programs was not (and is not) acceptable. We were successful in pushing back on those cuts. That said, the pressure always remains to cut education in general and music and the arts tend to be a first and easy target. Community support and vigilance is critical.

This site has not been updated in several years, so some of the links may be out of date or broken. However, much of it works great and is still every bit is important and relevant as it was originally. The original home page is here although many links are no longer working.

Gilbert Music Matters Important Links:

Links From 2010:


Gilbert Choir


Highland Jazz Festival

"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.  John Adams

  

In September 2024, I was on a Podcast where many of these important issues were discussed, links below.

2024 American Classroom Podcast by Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland:

The Role of Music in Education with Jason Barney

 Part 1 Video - Part 2 Video

Part 1 Spotify - Part 2 Spotify

"If not for music, the soul would have no language even though we have the ears and heart to listen." --- "If we do not feed the music, some portion of us will starve." --- "Music is the language of the soul." The MIM

Musical Instruments Museum: An absolute must see right here in town. World class by every measure. Totally inspiring.

"For our society to move forward, for our culture to survive, fine arts education must remain strong. We already know that kids who study music do better in physics and math. Teaching the fine arts is a rounding of the whole development of the student." Representative Rob Eissler, House Public Education Committee Chair


Highland Drumline

"If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." Albert Einstein


Highland Orchestra at Carnegie Hall

"The problem is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed." Anonymous

Arts are an essential part of every student's education. Studies show that students who study the arts score higher on academic test than students not exposed to the arts. The Department of Education needs to ensure that schools have not neglected the arts in order to emphasize the tested subject areas of reading, writing and math." Tom Horne, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction

To reach me, email jason@jasonbarney.com.