Centralia Public Schools:

I attended the Centralia R-6 District from Kindergarten all the way through high school. I graduated in
2008 as Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian, and I was also Chamber Choir President and Drum
Major in the Panther Pride Marching Band.
I was involved in several clubs, organizations, and athletic
teams, but music has always been my passion.
After graduating from Centralia, I went on to Truman State University to study vocal music. After
completing their five-year Master's program, I became an elementary music teacher; I will begin my third
year of teaching this fall.
Although I had wonderful experiences in Centralia's music classes, I (unfortunately) cannot credit those
experiences for my success in and passion for music. I took both piano and voice lessons outside of school,
which prepared me beyond what was expected in my school choir and band classes.
When I was in school, all of our band and choir performances took place in the gymnasium, which does
not have ideal acoustics for any kind of musical performance. Though the choir and band had rehearsed
for months to prepare and were capable of delivering an amazing performance, the audience would never
be able to experience the wonderful performance we had prepared due to the poor acoustics and
uncomfortable seating in bleachers or folding chairs. Those factors made for a very average concert from
the perspective of the audience, which would not make them excited to return to see another one. If those
concerts are not attended, students do not feel supported or motivated to deliver an above-average
performance.
While at Truman State University, our top choir (Cantoria) gave concerts in the Ophelia Parrish
Performance Hall, a beautiful and modern auditorium that is regularly updated to provide the best
experience for both the performers and the audience. During my final semester of graduate school, I
completed my teaching internship at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia with past Centralia choir
director, Mike Pierson. Rock Bridge choirs have a history of excellence, and part of that is due to having
an ideal performance auditorium. Show Choir performances and choir concerts (as well as band and
orchestra performances) give the audience unforgettable experiences that keep them coming back and
providing support for the music department.
I firmly believe a fine arts auditorium in Centralia would provide an incredible experience for students
and the community. It would attract more students to the music program; it would encourage bigger
audiences to attend performances; it would provide more monetary support for the music program
(instruments, uniforms/robes, technology, sheet music, and maintenance are quite costly); and it would
give students the chance to give more authentic and professional music performances, better preparing
them for a potential future in the music field.
I can't imagine my life without music, and the fact that I use it in my career daily to teach young children
gives me tremendous joy. My goal is to provide my students with the best music experiences possible. I
hope that with a new fine arts wing, Centralia can move closer to that goal for all of its students, as well.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Brown