Letter to the Editor: Winter ’10 Concert

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Osky News

From a concerned grandmother of a 5th and 6th grade student.

I attended the winter clarinet program for 5th and 6th grade students in Oskaloosa on December 12th, and was appalled and sickened at heart to hear a piece played called “Voodoo Dance.” I couldn’t believe it. This has to be a mistake! A song about a dark, evil religion at the time of year when many people are remembering the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

And the excuse was that it was an appropriate piece to play because it reminded the teacher of winter with it’s cold, dark days. I don’t think children look at winter in that way. I sure didn’t. I remember as a child looking forward to ice skating, snowmen, snowballs, snowforts…. you know, all the fun things kids enjoy. And of course, the possibility of getting to stay home from school for snow vacation!

Winter has a lot of beauty. How about the beauty of snowflakes? our creator made each one unique, just like he made each of us unique and special. The frosty tree branches and sparkling icicles, you get the picture. (Winter) It is lovely and beautiful.

No, our kids don’t need to be introduced to Voodoo. I hope parents will stand up and say something about this because their children are too precious to be influenced in such a bad way.

Sincerely,

Diane Mortensen