Music to Our Ears by Johnathan Moreno - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JANUARY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 31 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Music to Our Ears

By Johnathan Moreno, Community Writer
August 20, 2014 at 08:10am. Views: 26

After years of silence, music programs are being restored to the Val Verde Unified School District. Five years ago, as a result to tough economic ties, music programs were cut in order to maintain other educational programs. During this time, elementary schools lost their music and art programs Lou Randall, the newly hired STEAM coordinator says, “Research is very clear in regards to early art and music education.” As noted author Daniel Pink stated in his book, A Whole New Mind, Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, we are moving out of the information age and into the conceptual age which will require students to acquire a skill set that is developed through art and music education. These 21st century skills will prepare students for college and career readiness. Michael McCormick, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, states, “Bringing back elementary music is music to my ears.” Val Verde Unified, with the full support of the board has hired three itinerant music teachers, Amy Morgan, Josh Figueroa, and Bryan Smith. They will each have four sites and teach third, fourth, and fifth grade music. Each site will also have a choir and band. Juan López, Superintendent is passionate about music education and states he is “looking forward to attending the performances and meeting our youngest musicians and their families.”

Related Articles

2026 Riverside County Educators of the Year!
Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 172

Site Support Employee of the Year Casey Rogers and Dr Edwin Gomez

GT Modern Dentistry Brings the Smiles
Photo Courtesy of: Elysia Fernandez

By Stella Pierce , Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:34pm. Views: 501

GT, modern dentistry team and Doctor join Mayor Bill Hussey , Jeff Allan councilman ,Doug Wilson, councilman Matt Brown councilman Matthew Hernandez chamber chair, Jason greeley chamber chair Michelle Sabino Mayor pro tem

MLK Day
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 02:06pm. Views: 208

MLK’s legacy is a living reminder that progress takes intention, courage, and compassion. 
Photo: Stone statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing with arms crossed, carved into a large granite block at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, against a clear blue sky.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 0

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez

Relief for Storm-Impacted Property Owners
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 286

A residence shows visible damage from flooding, mud and debris following severe winter storms that began Dec. 23, which brought heavy rain and debris flows to mountain and high desert communities across San Bernardino County. This week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved recovery-related fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild as response and long-term recovery efforts continue.

Woman-Led Manufacturer Thrives With Workforce Support
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 202

Kathy Bodor, president of Plastics Plus Technology at the 2025 Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards Gala.

MoVal Adds to the City’s Growing List of World-Class Employers
Photo Courtesy of: test

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 179

test

Colton Woman’s Club Presented Community Impact Award
Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Luis S. Gonzalez

By Nick Zupkofska, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 194

Congratulations to Delma Lesdesma, President of Colton Woman's Club (CWC)! Standing next to her, from left to right, are Council Member, Dr. G, and CWC Board Members, Andrea Garcia and Norma Gonzalez. Check out why Delma is smiling brightly for her well-deserved award!

Pet of the Week: Franki
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 580

Franki, a male, two-year-old, brown and blue brindled American Bulldog mix.
Add this loveable sweety to yourt family!

Dignity Health Spreads Holiday Cheer with Inspiring Acts of Service and Donations to Those in Need

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 408

Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, proudly continued its enduring tradition of community service and healing by extending support to thousands of families across California with essential provisions and heartfelt gifts for the holidays

Remembering
Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Scwab

By Ariel Schwab Morris, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 699

Thomas Joseph Schwab, a respected public servant whose leadership helped shape the City of Grand Terrace.

Crime is Dropping in San Bernardino County
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino City Police Department

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

January 7, 2026 at 03:38pm. Views: 541

Photo Caption: Crime in San Bernardino has dropped by 30 percent or more throughout the city. One reason is that there are more officers on the streets. The Police Department’s goal is to have 350 sworn officers. Current full-time staffing is reported at 295 sworn officers and 156 professional staff.

--> -->