With 4 children, who all played an instrument, I strongly support a music program. The benefits of an all inclusive program in a school district is the best thing I have ever seen, Students that won't normally socialize together do when in a band/music program. I can't speak of the value enough.
M
Mary Russell
9 years ago
Former Chicopee Comp and Bellamy School Band Parent Member 1978-1988. Proud grandparent of BHS Band member
J
Jacob Carrier
9 years ago
Music is one of few things that brings me pure joy, and my life would lack direction without it.
D
Deborah Coon
9 years ago
It is so easy to cut and so hard to restore arts programs. As a music teacher in Northampton I know just how true this is. With all of the complexities of scheduling, AP classes and related pressures, and increased requirements of all sorts, taking music classes can become nearly impossible. Sometimes the classes get filled and sometimes they are small. The students who are most interested in theory and other music classes have a difficult time fitting them in while continuing to be involved in the school's performing ensembles. True support for a music program requires some flexibility around these issues for the long term. Promote music throughout for all students and you will see those numbers rise. Your music teachers cannot do it alone. Build it in to your curriculum from the start and you and your community will reap the benefits for a long, long time.
S
Sharon Gordon
9 years ago
The value of music education? This quote from VH1 Save the Music puts it exactly right:
"We value music as a critical learning tool that keeps students engaged in school, helps develop well-rounded individuals and encourages skills that are vital for success in the 21st century."
I urge SHHS to keep their music and drama programs strong, to help accomplish these important educational goals for all students.
C
Craig Parker Sr
9 years ago
There are so many children in South Hadley that have musical talent. This talent should not be ignored and pushed aside. South Hadley used to have one of the best music education programs in the U.S. It's time to bring our music education programs back to the students in South Hadley. I am a former band member and Drum Major.
T
Thomas Cushwa
9 years ago
Please support music at shhs. It meant alot to me when I was in high school in South Hadley. It is very important to many kids in high school. More than you know. Thanks.
L
Lauren Maryea
9 years ago
This program has taught and is still teaching me so many skills that other programs in this school don't.
S
Samantha Cote
9 years ago
Music programs were the most important part of high school for me, and I would hate to see current high schoolers not have the same wonderful and educational experience.
R
Rebecca Hoffmann
9 years ago
Student musicians learn more than just music in their classes. Valuable life skills like listening, cooperation, and practice will come in handy later in life, no matter what they go on to study!
A
Amanda Metcalfe
9 years ago
Well said, beautifully written, and a thorough consideration of all obstacles. South Hadley is lucky to have such support among its families, staff, and students. I hope considerations will be made!
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
This is crazy! ❤️
S
Shawn Kelley
9 years ago
As a former instructor of the Marching Band, I would encourage that no cuts are made to the music program at SHHS.
C
Cathy Grady
9 years ago
Save music in your schools - it is critical for learning and development!
D
Dari gambino
9 years ago
Music is empowering and important.
C
Cassi Stewart
9 years ago
Building a large program takes time and commitment. Please stay the course!
B
Brian Messier
9 years ago
I am the band director at Belchertown High School. It is very easy to let the trends of scheduling and education cause irreversible and regrettable decisions. I implore you not to make a short-sighted, avoidable decision that will have life-changing consequences for generations of students. I would be happy to discuss at greater length. Please fee free to contact me.
L
Lori Bellerose
9 years ago
Kids need an outlet and music is a wonderful way to do that.
D
Daniel Laraon
9 years ago
I would have hoped that my old high school would not have fallen to this. Music and the Arts are a vital part of society and civilization and in some cases the very building blocks. Think of all the talent that would just be lost if the students were not given a chance to express themselves with art forms such as these. I myself was an art student there and now I am a professional artist. The kids need this outlet for the future.
J
Jane Zieff
9 years ago
Please give music education the respect afforded to the sciences and language arts programs. For some students it is their place to shine. Cut sports, if you have to, as if ANY school ANYWHERE ever did that. You should understand that musically inclined students are often your best academic performers. You should want to take care of them.
With 4 children, who all played an instrument, I strongly support a music program. The benefits of an all inclusive program in a school district is the best thing I have ever seen, Students that won't normally socialize together do when in a band/music program. I can't speak of the value enough.
Former Chicopee Comp and Bellamy School Band Parent Member 1978-1988. Proud grandparent of BHS Band member
Music is one of few things that brings me pure joy, and my life would lack direction without it.
It is so easy to cut and so hard to restore arts programs. As a music teacher in Northampton I know just how true this is. With all of the complexities of scheduling, AP classes and related pressures, and increased requirements of all sorts, taking music classes can become nearly impossible. Sometimes the classes get filled and sometimes they are small. The students who are most interested in theory and other music classes have a difficult time fitting them in while continuing to be involved in the school's performing ensembles. True support for a music program requires some flexibility around these issues for the long term. Promote music throughout for all students and you will see those numbers rise. Your music teachers cannot do it alone. Build it in to your curriculum from the start and you and your community will reap the benefits for a long, long time.
The value of music education? This quote from VH1 Save the Music puts it exactly right: "We value music as a critical learning tool that keeps students engaged in school, helps develop well-rounded individuals and encourages skills that are vital for success in the 21st century." I urge SHHS to keep their music and drama programs strong, to help accomplish these important educational goals for all students.
There are so many children in South Hadley that have musical talent. This talent should not be ignored and pushed aside. South Hadley used to have one of the best music education programs in the U.S. It's time to bring our music education programs back to the students in South Hadley. I am a former band member and Drum Major.
Please support music at shhs. It meant alot to me when I was in high school in South Hadley. It is very important to many kids in high school. More than you know. Thanks.
This program has taught and is still teaching me so many skills that other programs in this school don't.
Music programs were the most important part of high school for me, and I would hate to see current high schoolers not have the same wonderful and educational experience.
Student musicians learn more than just music in their classes. Valuable life skills like listening, cooperation, and practice will come in handy later in life, no matter what they go on to study!
Well said, beautifully written, and a thorough consideration of all obstacles. South Hadley is lucky to have such support among its families, staff, and students. I hope considerations will be made!
This is crazy! ❤️
As a former instructor of the Marching Band, I would encourage that no cuts are made to the music program at SHHS.
Save music in your schools - it is critical for learning and development!
Music is empowering and important.
Building a large program takes time and commitment. Please stay the course!
I am the band director at Belchertown High School. It is very easy to let the trends of scheduling and education cause irreversible and regrettable decisions. I implore you not to make a short-sighted, avoidable decision that will have life-changing consequences for generations of students. I would be happy to discuss at greater length. Please fee free to contact me.
Kids need an outlet and music is a wonderful way to do that.
I would have hoped that my old high school would not have fallen to this. Music and the Arts are a vital part of society and civilization and in some cases the very building blocks. Think of all the talent that would just be lost if the students were not given a chance to express themselves with art forms such as these. I myself was an art student there and now I am a professional artist. The kids need this outlet for the future.
Please give music education the respect afforded to the sciences and language arts programs. For some students it is their place to shine. Cut sports, if you have to, as if ANY school ANYWHERE ever did that. You should understand that musically inclined students are often your best academic performers. You should want to take care of them.