I am a music parent on the North Shore and now a proud UMass Band parent. I am also a former high school music kid who had to take a dip in GPA due to cp music classes. Beverly HS has moved to make our audition only ensembles Honors courses. This makes sense - these students practice hours at home and take lessons on their own time. Please consider fully funding music positions in the South Hadley Schools. Support your music program - the skills learned in music are lifelong.
B
Bridget Ambers
9 years ago
Music education is extremely important. There is no reason that it should be cut.
S
Susan Dillard
9 years ago
I student-taught with Beth Ayn Curtis as I finished my degree at UMass, Amherst. Her dedication to her students - and also to her student teachers - is invaluable. I learned an immense amount from her. She taught me about music education, the logistical components to being a public school teacher, and she taught me about the strength it takes to be a musician and teacher and a mom all at the same time. South Hadley High School will benefit from growing the music program because the foundation that the teachers have built over the past several years, is a comprehensive one. Cutting the music offerings back will curb crucial momentum. There is so much room for these students to bloom, and for many kids - like the kid I was - music is a passion at school that keeps me motivated in my other disciplines, and it became my career. Without my high school music education, I never would have found this path, one that enriches my life and fulfills my passion. Please keep supporting and growing the music department at South Hadley High School!
D
Daniel Henry
9 years ago
As a parent in South Hadley, I hope our superintendent listens to this message. Music is important! Our school is on track to deprive countless children of a quality music education.
M
Matthew Smith
9 years ago
As a educator myself I see first hand the impacr music and the arts have on students. In order to be well rounded citizens they need a well rounded education. Please do the right thing here.
C
Caileigh Jyringi
9 years ago
I was in music classes/chorus/band my during all 4 years of high school. It helped me gain connections, and succeed academically as well.
D
Daisie Laflamme
9 years ago
I for one, have always had music in my life. Two of my brothers were in the band under Thomas Boats. I played an instrument, starting in 4th grade, through middle school. In high school I took treble choir for three years. I believe my life is better for it, and strongly encourage this petition' s idea.
B
Brenda Kent
9 years ago
I urge So Hadley school to support music and vocal programs by funding necessary staff. In addition, scheduling these programs so interested students don't have conflicts with other classes. Many students will end up working in the music industry . Education should factor in enrichment as an important role of education at all grade levels, I am the mother of a very well known and successful singer/songwriter/musician, Jamie Kent ; who was fortunate enough to attend public schools which supported music . Thanks for your support
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
I personally know many alumni of the SHHS Music program and can only imagine how their lives would have been negatively impacted without it. They are some of the finest musicians I know.
T
Tim Wondoloski
9 years ago
Please keep the music alive for the children!
J
Jean Richelle
9 years ago
When I was a student there were 2 music teachers including Ms. Curtis. She was a wonderful teacher and the program was always great! It is sad to see that it has been reduced so much over the past 11 years.
R
Raymond Provost
9 years ago
Don't let them stop the kids from music!
C
Conor Reardon
9 years ago
Music is an invaluable gift, the monetary value of giving this to someone for a lifetime is compounded infinitely
M
Marisa Gray
9 years ago
Music, theater, and all forms of the arts are such an important part in the well rounded education we should all expect from our public schools. Find a way. Cutting these programs is not the answer and truly hurt many of our children.
K
Kevin Wall
9 years ago
The arts are a crucial part of our childrens' education, and should not be cut.
T
Tyler leblanc
9 years ago
This was the only class that mattered to me in high school. It taught me everything from learning music to working as a team to achieve something great. There is no other team based class in the education program. School sports are a stimulating activity but not for everyone.
D
Debra Fleming
9 years ago
We need this form of learning for our students! Not only is it a form of development but also a way our students can be creative and enjoy the therapy of music and beyond!
E
Erin Murphy
9 years ago
Music is extremely important
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
SHHS '06
M
Marjorie Melnick
9 years ago
There is so much well researched evidence available showing the benefits of a strong K-12 music program that it is shameful to cut rather than build the arts program at SHHS.
I am a music parent on the North Shore and now a proud UMass Band parent. I am also a former high school music kid who had to take a dip in GPA due to cp music classes. Beverly HS has moved to make our audition only ensembles Honors courses. This makes sense - these students practice hours at home and take lessons on their own time. Please consider fully funding music positions in the South Hadley Schools. Support your music program - the skills learned in music are lifelong.
Music education is extremely important. There is no reason that it should be cut.
I student-taught with Beth Ayn Curtis as I finished my degree at UMass, Amherst. Her dedication to her students - and also to her student teachers - is invaluable. I learned an immense amount from her. She taught me about music education, the logistical components to being a public school teacher, and she taught me about the strength it takes to be a musician and teacher and a mom all at the same time. South Hadley High School will benefit from growing the music program because the foundation that the teachers have built over the past several years, is a comprehensive one. Cutting the music offerings back will curb crucial momentum. There is so much room for these students to bloom, and for many kids - like the kid I was - music is a passion at school that keeps me motivated in my other disciplines, and it became my career. Without my high school music education, I never would have found this path, one that enriches my life and fulfills my passion. Please keep supporting and growing the music department at South Hadley High School!
As a parent in South Hadley, I hope our superintendent listens to this message. Music is important! Our school is on track to deprive countless children of a quality music education.
As a educator myself I see first hand the impacr music and the arts have on students. In order to be well rounded citizens they need a well rounded education. Please do the right thing here.
I was in music classes/chorus/band my during all 4 years of high school. It helped me gain connections, and succeed academically as well.
I for one, have always had music in my life. Two of my brothers were in the band under Thomas Boats. I played an instrument, starting in 4th grade, through middle school. In high school I took treble choir for three years. I believe my life is better for it, and strongly encourage this petition' s idea.
I urge So Hadley school to support music and vocal programs by funding necessary staff. In addition, scheduling these programs so interested students don't have conflicts with other classes. Many students will end up working in the music industry . Education should factor in enrichment as an important role of education at all grade levels, I am the mother of a very well known and successful singer/songwriter/musician, Jamie Kent ; who was fortunate enough to attend public schools which supported music . Thanks for your support
I personally know many alumni of the SHHS Music program and can only imagine how their lives would have been negatively impacted without it. They are some of the finest musicians I know.
Please keep the music alive for the children!
When I was a student there were 2 music teachers including Ms. Curtis. She was a wonderful teacher and the program was always great! It is sad to see that it has been reduced so much over the past 11 years.
Don't let them stop the kids from music!
Music is an invaluable gift, the monetary value of giving this to someone for a lifetime is compounded infinitely
Music, theater, and all forms of the arts are such an important part in the well rounded education we should all expect from our public schools. Find a way. Cutting these programs is not the answer and truly hurt many of our children.
The arts are a crucial part of our childrens' education, and should not be cut.
This was the only class that mattered to me in high school. It taught me everything from learning music to working as a team to achieve something great. There is no other team based class in the education program. School sports are a stimulating activity but not for everyone.
We need this form of learning for our students! Not only is it a form of development but also a way our students can be creative and enjoy the therapy of music and beyond!
Music is extremely important
SHHS '06
There is so much well researched evidence available showing the benefits of a strong K-12 music program that it is shameful to cut rather than build the arts program at SHHS.