Why music should be in schools

So i have to write an essay for my english class and our first essay is about taking a stance on something and defending it. We did a little prewriting in class and this is what I wrote:

why this is important to me:

This topic is very important to me. I have played an instrument since the 4th grade and it is something that continues to bring me great joy. Because of music I have made many lasting friends, learned many valuable lessons and really know what it feels like to succeed and to fail. It is my creative outlet and one of the things that made me really enjoy going to school every day. Music is important in the schools because it give students all the opportunities that I mentioned as well as helping them succeed academically. Music has taught me discipline, time management and commitment. Many studies also show that music has a positive effect on test scores in reading and math and it engages both sides of the brain which helps with critical thinking and problem solving. Music is also a physical activity. It teaches breath support, and more importantly it can help develop fine motor skills. This is an important topic to discuss because many people do not truly see the benefits that music can offer their children and that these students would truly be missing out on a valuable experience without it.

I was pretty impressed with it hehe. This is such an important subject to me.. as you can tell. There is a lot of passion and emotion that I put into it. In other news CHRIS GOT THE JOB!
He is now the full time sub at the middle school.. and making great money :)! Now lets just hope they want to rehire him next year.. but that's getting ahead of ourselves now. maybe this good karma will come my way and I will be accepted into nursing school!