Learning That Lasts A Lifetime

Imagine you could trace back 10, 20, 30, 40 years to the defining moments that taught you how to handle the roller coaster of life. That’s exactly what we, along with 115 of our former students and colleagues, have done in Learning That Lasts a Lifetime. Through a compelling series of powerful testimonies, the importance of arts education unfolds before your eyes.

Think of this book as a mash-up of Glee and Chicken Soup for the Soul that takes a peek at the human side of “21st Century Readiness” for today’s students. The back-stories, anecdotes, and lessons learned by students involved in one of the oldest show choirs on the West Coast illuminate what really matters in our schools. Regardless of their life paths, these people all found value in what they did in their high school choir and are applying it daily in their lives.

Discover for yourself why these passionate and enlightening stories and thoughts transcend all types of arts classes in education settings across the nation.

(Photo ~ Reina and Ron Bolles at the Bonitafest Book Signing for "Learning That Lasts A Lifetime")

BUY YOUR COPY NOW!

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Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
"You can't have HeART without ART ... "
September 21, 2011
By Tania Lester (Aldie, VA)

That is my favorite quote from Reina Bolles, co-author of this fabulous compilation of stories about how the arts have, can, will impact the lives of students. Ron and Reina Bolles have pulled together 115 stories from students and parents spanning the past 40 years. These stories not only prove the importance of the arts in our schools - but in life. And without arts in our schools, they will be lost in our world. As stated in the introduction, this book is a 'mash-up' of GLEE and Chicken Soup for The Soul. However, most of the students and parents represented in this book are real-life show-choir families from way before GLEE was ever thought of. The impact of show choir, chorus, drama, band, marching band, and other arts is highlighted throughout these stories both during their time in school and in life. Many of the contributors have gone on to become successful business men and women rising to high professional positions. Others have pursued and succeeded in the entertainment or arts industries. Many have gone on to teach arts to other students, continuing the arts throughout generations. Many of these students have gone on to have children of their own who have or are benefiting from arts in school. Every story is a feel-good story with happy, positive memories of how the arts positively impacted the lives of high school students. In a time where there is so much evidence that school, and high school in particular, is a dangerous place and there is more negative than positive - we need the uplifting evidence that there is good in our schools. And we need to keep it there. The arts in our schools are just as, maybe more, important as sports and the basics of reading-writing-'rithmatic. Thank you for providing this gift. Thank God for teachers like Ron and Reina Bolles who have devoted themselves to enriching the lives of children of all ages through schools, churches, community, and now through the written word.


5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Stories
October 5, 2011
By Grandma Sue

Ron and Reina have been in the "Arts" family for many years. They are a true inspiration to all choir directors, students, and parents alike. We had a son in Show Choir at Diamond Bar High School 1990 - 1993 and a son in Concert Choir same school 1992 - 1996. We started filming show choir then. We have watched students grow through choir and have seen several go on to be choir directors in High School, and middle school. I think this is a book that everyone should read. When I hear that the government might take performing arts out of schools I get angry. Kids are not in trouble when they sing, act or dance.
Thanks again Ron and Reina. Love you both.
V & S Video Productions
Walnut, Calif


5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treasure Chest
October 24, 2011
By Joe Landon

Each chapter begins with bold print for the lead, allowing the reader to dip in and out easily, or to go more deeply when the story compels. What I've enjoyed most is bouncing from career to career, and the various sources of sustenance and inspiration that are called out in each story. The cumulative effect of the book is so powerful. There could be no eloquent expression of the case we're all making - to demonstrate the ways in which the arts have infused the spirit of so many lives in so many different ways. There's great joy in the descriptions, and such pride in the authors' framing of the stories. Well done...for all of us!


5.0 out of 5 stars
Evidence that Demands a Verdict
January 24, 2012
By Clint Taylor - See all my reviews

Ron and Reina Bolles have contributed a labor of love which has captured the priceless, life-changing experience of 115 students, parents, and colleagues. "Learning That Lasts a Lifetime" records living proof in these inspiring testimonies that the arts are the cornerstone of a complete education. Music Machine "set the stage" for these fortunate students to step out and shine, not only in school, but throughout life. What a joy to read the many testimonies of successful people who attribute much of their success to the life skills learned through this powerful performing arts experience. The evidence is conclusive. If there was ever a doubt that the arts should be an essential element of each school's core curriculum, just read this inspiring book.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Decision Makers: Read This Book!!!
January 26, 2012
By Mark Henson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learning That Lasts a Lifetime: The Transforming Power of the Arts in the Lives of Children (Paperback)
Can we please get this book in the hands of every politician? As a teacher, I often say that ALL learning would be better if all subjects were taught like Arts classes. I recently attended a meeting centering on differentiating instruction to maximize student understanding. Isn't this what we do every day in Arts classes? The Arts is one of the only places where all participants are expected to achieve at the same level, and it's our job as educators and directors to get them there. Most subject areas are content to put the labels "Basic" "Proficient" and "Advanced" on their students. When we attend a performance, do we want a "Basic" or "Proficient" level of execution by the performers? Certainly not! Students who are involved in a Music class, for example, know that, while 90% might be a fine grade on a Math test, 90% accuracy would be a disaster in a music performance! As evidenced by the numerous testimonials in this book, students who find success in the Arts are able to translate that passion and energy into other areas of their lives. Successful teaching in the Arts breeds successful people! I so enjoyed reading the book's testimonials, and found them to be filled with passion. I am lucky in that I get to have similar experiences with my students. How sad for students who don't get to feel this kind of excitement in school. . . and how sad for teachers who will never know what it feels like to truly change a student's life. Bravo to Ron and Reina for this excellent book. (I am not at all surprised that the book is excellent - That's who they are!)


5.0 out of 5 stars
Proof that Arts Education DOES Last a Lifetime!
September 23, 2011
By David A. Willert "Dave" (Los Angeles)

Ron and Reina Bolles eclectic collection of testimonials from their Show Choir students of the past 40 years hits a homerun! To their credit, they allowed over 100 former students to express themselves honestly as to how much Show Choir had meant to them then, and how the learnings continued through the present. What an awesome idea for a book! Perhaps if every Arts teacher in public schools did the same thing, these wonderful programs would finally stop being cut! Being a music teacher myself, every testimonial I read, hit home. Powerful detriments to youth happiness such as shyness, lack of confidence, lack of friends, lack of purpose and a sense of being "lost" were all overcome through these kids' participation in Show Choir. The Bolles constantly remind us in their book that ALL OF THE ARTS will accomplish the same goals if children are simply encouraged and allowed to take them. How true! So I say, it is about time this book was written, and thank you Ron and Reina for doing such a masterful job! Long live the Arts!


5.0 out of 5 stars
Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
October 20, 2011
By Deederss

Not only was I a part of this book and included in it, but I lived it. The authors, Ron Bolles and Reina Bolles did an outstanding job in writing this book. If you are at all interested in the music and the arts, especially keeping them as part of the curriculum in schools, then I suggest you read this book. It is an uplifting and inspirational read. Whether you are a music teacher, school administrator or just the average parent or person who loves music, I recommend reading this book!


5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling!
January 25, 2012
By Russ Sperling

While it is part of my job, as a Director of Visual and Performing Arts to be an advocate for arts education, in the education world we mostly focus on achievement data, not the stories. This book is a collection of stories of real people whose lives were changed because they were engaged in the arts when they were in school. We get to read about what music meant to them as students "back in the day," and we also get to find out what they are doing now and how the arts shaped their lives. Over and over again, we hear through many voices, not just data, that an education in the arts creates a successful person. My favorite example is the prosecuting attorney who attributes her "stage presence" with juries to her days in show choir!