As a longtime music educator, I saw the difference the arts made in the lives of children. Music brought them joy when other things in their lives might have been difficult. Many of those students went on to perform in our local symphony, local opera, in musicals and cabarets. I watched them sing or string often in the old armory. Their performances and those of visiting world class cellists and pianists were dampered by the basketball court backdrop and the lousy acoustics.
When the new Steinway grand piano arrived at the JACC and we heard those first glorious notes, an audience member said, “That really sticks out like a sore thumb in this armory.” I replied, “That’s why we all must support a new arts and culture center.”
The vote on Oct. 1 is key to making this beautiful facility a reality. Many of us paid bonds for swimming pools even though we don’t swim, or the ice rink even though we are terrified to put on a pair of skates. But a performing arts center with handicap accessibility is a place we can all go to and escape the crazy world outside with the gift that the arts gives everyone.
Our many visitors will enjoy being with “locals” and catching a play or concert. They can walk from the museum to the whale to our beautiful performing arts center.
Let’s make this facility a reality, for us and the children. Vote yes on Prop 3 on Oct. 1.
Linda Buckley,
Juneau
•My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.