You have no doubt heard the word art used a great deal. Do you know exactly what it means? If you were to read books about the subject, you would find that they did not all agree exactly upon a definition of this word; but you would probably also find that the authors do agree that it is the purpose of art to create and interpret beauty. Now, as you know, there are many forms of beauty. We say that a landscape is beautiful, that a piece of music has beauty, and we also speak of human actions like dancing and acting as having beauty.

There is no doubt that art brings more beauty into our lives. Through modern inventions, such as the radio and the phonograph, more people than ever before can enjoy art. But in addition to using these helpful devices, we know that to obtain the full benefit from artistic creation an individual must participate in some form of art. For this reason the one who sings or plays some instrument is likely to get more enjoyment from music; it becomes a part of him. And so with all forms of art. Whether it be dancing, sculpture, or drama, the individual will appreciate it more if he can, even in a small degree, take part in it.

This is where the good-deeding comes in. Far too many people do not have an opportunity to participate in artistic activities. Experience has shown that young people throughout the country have been successful in starting movements in their own communities which have made it possible for old and young alike to enjoy art. For example, a small school in New Jersey was responsible for interesting a number of parents in joining an orchestra with their children. Together the parents and children began to learn to play various instruments. In some cases whole families joined. Of course, at first they were able to play only simple tunes, but, as their skill improved, so did the complexity of the pieces they played. The children were taught by the music director of the school, and the children in turn taught the parents. There is no question but that this project helped all to have more appreciation for music.