t cut music

I can understand pay-to-ride busing and pay-to-participate extracurricular activities. I can even comprehend the reasons for cutting back on gifted education. I am willing to pay double the fees and pay for class field-trip transportation. I may even be able to hold my tongue on the obliteration of the fantastic WRAP program.

There is one proposed cut that I cannot comprehend or stomach  elementary band and orchestra. I am a member of the Free State High School Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra. I am certain that I would not be in either had I not been taught the basics in my elementary school. Those classes are set up to instruct you on what the notes are and where to place your fingers  the “ABCs” of string orchestra and band.

Putting inexperienced instrument players in the junior high is basically the same as tossing a young child into a junior high English class. The beginners will be lost and discouraged when placed in a class with students who have been playing their instruments for at least one year. It will be frustrating for the older players, who must set time aside for the younger ones to learn the simple skills that they have already been taught.

It is understood that some things must be cut. Everyone will suffer. I am also aware of the amount of money it will save to eliminate elementary band and orchestra. However, the fine arts are so important here in our town, and the music department is often praised for its amazing work. What nobody has seemed to grasp is that by cutting the early education in band and orchestra, the quality and integrity of the music department will decline rapidly.

Jessica Foulke,

Lawrence