D.C. Tells Catholic Church: Comply or Bye Bye

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Music Schools: Music education in Russia starts at an early age. St. Petersburg has more than 30 specialized schools where for a very modest tuition the young students are instructed by the best music teachers. To qualify for admission, the young children must first pass a special examination. The 7-year curriculum includes twice-a-week piano lessons (or violin, flute, etc.), solfeggio, choir class, history of music, sometimes composition, ensemble and other classes. Most Music Schools are "evening" schools, and children attend them after their regular school day. At the end of each semester children pass exam in their major, and at the end of the 7th year they pass graduation exams in major subjects. When they graduate, they get a Certificate of Special Music Education

The travel agency that I use has a foundation that donates to schools around the world, and in return, the schools allow visitors to the school & it serves as a mutual learning experience for both the children & the tourists.

Since I have been on several trips with this company, I have visited schools all over the world and knew what to expect. I requested our Council to issue a Certificate of Appreciation to the school. At the presentation, their were several Knights from around the nation. Afterwards, many people from the tour came up to Dick & I to find out more about the Knights. I found out from our tour director that she was extremely  pleased & intended to show it to higher authorities because their actions were recognized by a group outside of Russia. For what it is worth, I think the Knights of Columbus & Council 6173 have made a lasting impact in Russia. Incidentally, we found out that a person on the tour that won a cash prize at a contest donated that prize to the school. We would like to think that are little effort had some influence in his decision. 

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