Growing up in a small school I was blessed with the opportunities of playing sports and being in the choir, band and drama.  While I received a great education, little did I know about the importance the music part would play in my upbringing.  I always enjoyed performing whether that was on the field, court, track, stage or a concert.  Many studies over the years have shown the important role music plays in brain development and the link to reading and literacy.  Finally, reading and music have been a source of information, entertainment and enjoyment throughout my life, and I thank my parents and my teachers for making sure I was exposed to and “forced” to participate in music and the arts during my formative years.  My wife and I also made sure our son was a member of the choir as well as on sports teams.  After a brief disagreement with us, it became one of his favorite school activities as well.  I'm thankful that “I've got the music in me”, is it in you?  California's Prop 28 is an important step in making sure these arts opportunities are available to all students.