Anyone who knows me knows I love the arts, and on Tuesday the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) put on a spectacular event showcasing the choral departments from all the elementary, junior high and high schools during the annual District Honor Choir performance.

As I sat there listening to the talent that was displayed, which not only included the choirs, but also the Warren Central High School jazz band, professional musicians and our very own Vicksburg Chamber Choir, I thought about how the movers and shakers in our community in charge of promoting the city needed to add this to the list of assets we have in Vicksburg.

The VWSD excels with its fine arts department. Just ask me. I am a mother of four who witnessed firsthand the value of fine arts in our public schools.

All my children were exposed to music through the choral department, be it singing in the elementary choir or performing on stage as part of the Total Sound show choir.

My children were also introduced to the many genres of art, which included drawing, painting and pottery.

There were also musicals and talent shows which brought out their love of singing, acting and dancing.

I, myself was a member of Warren Central’s Big Blue Band.

When we talk about the importance of the arts, some people may not view it as a priority like me — especially to have it offered in the schools — but its value is immeasurable.

Not only does it allow a child to be creative, but it also inherently aids reading, writing and arithmetic.

I mean just ask my dancing daughters. Math sneaks in with rhythm and timing and learning choreography can enhance geometry skills since it requires spatial reasoning and understanding.

A quick Google search can give you an even broader number of ways the fine arts can aid when it comes to required subject material taught in school.

As I witnessed the performance Tuesday night, I was also reminded that many aspects of the performing arts require you to work with others. Those students had to learn their respective parts and then come together with the larger group.

And how cool was that to see 10-year-olds through seniors singing in four-part harmony?

I guess you can tell I enjoyed myself at the concert. Needless to say, I left the Artis T. Williams Auditorium with a smile on my face and with a mission on my mind of letting folks know the VWDS fine arts programs is  just one more feather in Vicksburg’s cap.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes features for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.