Dear Editor,

I was disappointed and offended in the editorial written in the August 28 Times by Ken Graham entitled "10 Reasons I'm Glad I Don't Have to Go Back to School." In particular reason 8 - denigrating being in the band. As a music educator for 25 years I am compelled to write and "teach" The Times about the benefits of a music education.

Here are just a few of the facts-

Secondary students who participated in music reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances, (alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse).

Students with band and orchestra experience attend college at a rate twice t...