‘Idol’ outcome a tribute to arts education

cook, davidEspecially as American education slides back toward “the basics,” one element of the landslide “American Idol” victory of David Cook deserves some notice — his gratitude to his Blue Springs, Mo., elementary music teacher, Fredalyn Gentry, who appeared on Wednesday’s finale. Asked what went through his head when he heard his name called, Cook said: “That my music teacher, Mrs. Gentry, made me sing in the Christmas pageant in second grade. Now I’m here. The ride has been pretty nuts.” Let it also be noted that Cook, now a cool rocker, appeared in high school productions of “The Music Man,” “West Side Story,” “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” (His pratfall-filled “Make ’Em Laugh” from a 2001 “Singin’ in the Rain” can be seen, sort of, on YouTube.) Who says arts education is a frill?

6 Comments

  1. Phantom
    Posted May 23, 2008 at 9:13 am | Permalink

    He won because he has that Brad Pitt thing going on, the other kid was the better vocalist.

  2. MaxGrobnik
    Posted May 23, 2008 at 10:40 am | Permalink

    Let’s give credit to public edukation for:

    Rap music

    Reeding ability

    Math skills

    Gradiation rates

    STD’s and condom training

    Abortion training

  3. FirstAmendmentFan
    Posted May 23, 2008 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

    Music education stimulates the child’s brain. Most children in music classes score better on their tests. Music education creates or fosters a sense of beauty in children, making them better human beings and citizens. It can teach tolerance, as rhythms and styles of other cultures are learned and performed. Students participating in musical groups learn the benefits of dedication and hard work, and the power of teamwork and synergy.

  4. JMWalker
    Posted May 23, 2008 at 8:31 pm | Permalink

    How true, FAF. There are very few societies that shun music. Music is fascinating in its ability to reach just about every human alive. Its ability to portray everything from sorrow to joy and change the human spirit is truly a gift.

    David Cook deserved to win by the nature of his willingness to take chances. His Billy Jean was one of the best things done on the show. David A can sing ballads, and that’s about it. He’ll grow into an idol, and sell millions, but Cook’s more an American idol. Great voice

  5. Posted May 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm | Permalink

    FORGET FOREX E-BOOKS! Get the software that tells you what to do and WHEN to do it and finally start earning the big bucks you truly deserve. Many People earn thousands of dollars each month useing the “Forex-Killer” Software and even quit their own day jobs! Why don`t you too? I urge you to take this chance ASAP! Besides what do you have to loose? They have a full 58 days refund policy in place supervised by clickbank: http://www.urlpire.com/?MALFY

  6. Posted May 29, 2008 at 7:33 pm | Permalink

    Aren`t You fed up with all those Forex E-books that promise heaven and deliver hell? The “Forex-Killer” is an automated Trading software that does it all! It analyzes the markets and gives you a clear buy or sell order. All you have to do is feed it with the necessary data. A simple 2 minute process !!!…Download The Amazing Software Now: http://www.urlpire.com/?MALFY

One Trackback

  1. [...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]