Music classes in high school right me more than reading sheet music and how to play multiple instruments. It taught me discipline, accountability, creativity, independence, and work ethic. The music program is essential for many students to find a place they can rely on and excel in. Funds should not be cut.
S
Sara Biathrow
9 years ago
I was in chorus growing up. Keep it going. Loved it!
P
Paula Gudmundson
9 years ago
I am devastated to see and hear about the proposed cuts to the music curriculum at South Hadley High School. As an alumna of the class of 1999 I have been able to continue my musical studies beyond high school and currently teach music at the collegiate level. These proposed cuts have a ripple effect to the college curriculum. The decision at the high school level to reduce offerings and access to highly dedicated and gifted educators guarantees that these programs will continue to decline in enrollment and interest. High schools must continue to offer a well rounded and balanced curriculum offerings. Please recognize that with this action you will continue to destroy this storied program past the point of no return with your proposed reductions. -Dr. Paula Gudmundson Assistant Professor of Flute University of Minnesota Duluth
F
Frank Newton
9 years ago
As a music educator who teaches at SHHS, I have seen first hand the diligence and dedication the students have demonstrated to engage in the music program. SHHS should never forget that the performing arts help students develop the multi-platform, critical thinking, focus and discipline needed to be successful at Math, Science, Foreign Language and all core academic disciplines. Cutting the performing arts, is essentially making the mission of the school significantly more difficult to achieve. Your students deserve the opportunity to study the performing arts, without having to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to do it. It is truly my hope that SHHS administration and South Hadley school board reconsider this decision for the the sake of the total education of your students.
K
Katie Matusko
9 years ago
As a SHHS Music Department Alumni, I feel as though it is incredibly important for South Hadley to encourage participation in and support the music programs as much as they do with their athletic programs. During my time at SHHS (2007-2011) There were several times that I had to fight to have music electives put onto my schedule instead of additional science and math classes. Even after I had been accepted to Montclair State University in the BA Theater Studies program with a Musical Theater minor, I had to explain to my guidance counselors why I would benefit more from music classes than math or science, which seemed fairly obvious to me. That being said, once I got to college, I realized that while I did receive wonderful direction and experiences from Beth Ayn Curtis and the various band directors (we had a new one every single year) I realized the opportunities that SHHS was lacking and how I wish there was even more to offer students, especially to those looking to further their education/ career in the arts. With all of that being said, I feel that it is unacceptable to decrease the teacher positions for the music department to .8 meaning less than 1 full time position. I understand that there may have been a decrease in students signing up for classes, but as stated, that could very well be for a number of reasons. Don't short the students who need the music programs in their lives for whatever reasons by giving them even less opportunities to thrive than they already have.
G
Gillian McPhee
9 years ago
Class of 1997 and very proud member of the TigerPride. The South Hadley music program was absolutely the BEST part of my high school experience. Please reconsider your proposed cuts to such a legendary program.
A
Andrea kozinetz
9 years ago
Music is a very component of high school. I graduated from SHHS but my son graduated from Newton South High School - where he was a band and orchestra member for 4 years
S
Sara Goddu
9 years ago
As a music teacher and musician I know how important music education is. Students need to be able to express themselves in healthy ways and music education does that for so many students. Cutting the music program/positions will only be harmful for the school district and most importantly for its students.
K
Katherine Fuller
9 years ago
As a MA music educator, I am appalled and disappointed that the school committee and administration would make this decision. This is a cut that hurts all students. A lack of music education will greatly impact students' opportunities to develop into well-rounded, intellectually curious adults. I urge you to reconsider.
K
Kaara McHugh
9 years ago
I student taught in South Hadley. The students are very talented and the staff are extremely committed. Please continue to support them.
A
Amanda Matusko
9 years ago
Keep music going and keep Beth-Aynn! She is a blessing to the department and has done so so much for everyone and everything! ♥️
C
Carrie Collins Quagliaroli
9 years ago
As a class of '86 band alum, I can only look back on my years in band and marching band with fond memories. An experience I am now passing down to my children who are just beginning to get involved in band. This past memorial day as my son marched in our local parade I thought back to my marching days and shared with him how great being in the high school band is going to be when he gets older! And all the new things he can learn. Music was a great avenue for those who didn't pursue sports and should always be an option. And as an adult I wish I had learned even more instruments. I urge all my children's friends to try music, it'll be something they can take with them the rest of their life. SHHS music program was amazing. That they were the marching 100 is something the school should always be proud of and strive to get back to. That the school and the director of course could rally that participation with such small graduating class numbers is truly amazing!
A
Ashley Parsons
9 years ago
I was a member of the South Hadley Music Program from 2002-2006. Under the guidance of Beth Ayn, I increased my love for music. My fondest and most rewarding experiences occurred within the music department. I gained confidence in myself and challenged myself because of the music program. Cutting the arts is NOT the answer to make better students. An all academic roster does not prepare a student for college. High school students need to expand and have the opportunity to take classes in a multitude of areas in order to develop and thrive in college and adult life. Math and sciences are not for everyone, and high school students should not be funneled in that direction just because that's 'desired.' Please do not cut programs that were vital to me as a struggling teenager, who had a difficult time finding herself.
R
Reagan Paras
9 years ago
What an uniformed and dangerous decision. A quality education should be accessible to ALL South Hadley students.
S
Susan Leach
9 years ago
I am a music teacher in CT, and I understand the importance of maintaining strong programs throughout our country.
A
Ann-Marie Desautelle
9 years ago
Music programs are not expendable!
T
Thomas Bergeron
9 years ago
I am a full-time professional musician and an alumnus of the South Hadley High School music program (1999). I can say with confidence that my success in the music industry is in large part thanks to the music program at South Hadley High School. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I would not be where I am today if South Hadley had not supported its music program when I was a student. The huge number of distinguished music alumni from South Hadley speaks for itself. I really hope that issues with guidance, scheduling, and financial support can be addressed. I was able to participate in sports, theater, pass many AP exams, and graduate 4th in my class with honors, all while participating in the SHHS music community to the point that I decided to make a career out of it. It's troubling to hear that barriers have been put in place for students to pursue these paths. Furthermore, studies clearly show that strong music programs build community, reduce truancy, and improve test results. Please consider prioritizing music at SHHS to allow our students to get the robust educational experience that they deserve.
B
Brian Chartrand
9 years ago
I am a proud alum of the SHHS music program (class of '94). And as a full time touring musician, I am reminded every day of the value of a robust music program in our schools and my wonderful experience with the SHHS music department.
T
Tony Lechner
9 years ago
Featured
Scheduling is the #1 cause of decreased participation in music and the arts in general. I can't think of a better way to shrink a music program faster than by cutting out several class options. A school that doesn't put its full weight behind its music program is not a school I would send my children to.
B
Brian Irish
9 years ago
Without my years developing and nurturing my musical and creative outlet at South Hadley High School's music programs, I would not be the successful computer scientist I am today. The reach of music is far wider than most people seem to realize, and I am immensely grateful for the teaching and guidance I received as a student.
Music is as fundamental to the development of young adults as the sciences.
Music classes in high school right me more than reading sheet music and how to play multiple instruments. It taught me discipline, accountability, creativity, independence, and work ethic. The music program is essential for many students to find a place they can rely on and excel in. Funds should not be cut.
I was in chorus growing up. Keep it going. Loved it!
I am devastated to see and hear about the proposed cuts to the music curriculum at South Hadley High School. As an alumna of the class of 1999 I have been able to continue my musical studies beyond high school and currently teach music at the collegiate level. These proposed cuts have a ripple effect to the college curriculum. The decision at the high school level to reduce offerings and access to highly dedicated and gifted educators guarantees that these programs will continue to decline in enrollment and interest. High schools must continue to offer a well rounded and balanced curriculum offerings. Please recognize that with this action you will continue to destroy this storied program past the point of no return with your proposed reductions. -Dr. Paula Gudmundson Assistant Professor of Flute University of Minnesota Duluth
As a music educator who teaches at SHHS, I have seen first hand the diligence and dedication the students have demonstrated to engage in the music program. SHHS should never forget that the performing arts help students develop the multi-platform, critical thinking, focus and discipline needed to be successful at Math, Science, Foreign Language and all core academic disciplines. Cutting the performing arts, is essentially making the mission of the school significantly more difficult to achieve. Your students deserve the opportunity to study the performing arts, without having to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to do it. It is truly my hope that SHHS administration and South Hadley school board reconsider this decision for the the sake of the total education of your students.
As a SHHS Music Department Alumni, I feel as though it is incredibly important for South Hadley to encourage participation in and support the music programs as much as they do with their athletic programs. During my time at SHHS (2007-2011) There were several times that I had to fight to have music electives put onto my schedule instead of additional science and math classes. Even after I had been accepted to Montclair State University in the BA Theater Studies program with a Musical Theater minor, I had to explain to my guidance counselors why I would benefit more from music classes than math or science, which seemed fairly obvious to me. That being said, once I got to college, I realized that while I did receive wonderful direction and experiences from Beth Ayn Curtis and the various band directors (we had a new one every single year) I realized the opportunities that SHHS was lacking and how I wish there was even more to offer students, especially to those looking to further their education/ career in the arts. With all of that being said, I feel that it is unacceptable to decrease the teacher positions for the music department to .8 meaning less than 1 full time position. I understand that there may have been a decrease in students signing up for classes, but as stated, that could very well be for a number of reasons. Don't short the students who need the music programs in their lives for whatever reasons by giving them even less opportunities to thrive than they already have.
Class of 1997 and very proud member of the TigerPride. The South Hadley music program was absolutely the BEST part of my high school experience. Please reconsider your proposed cuts to such a legendary program.
Music is a very component of high school. I graduated from SHHS but my son graduated from Newton South High School - where he was a band and orchestra member for 4 years
As a music teacher and musician I know how important music education is. Students need to be able to express themselves in healthy ways and music education does that for so many students. Cutting the music program/positions will only be harmful for the school district and most importantly for its students.
As a MA music educator, I am appalled and disappointed that the school committee and administration would make this decision. This is a cut that hurts all students. A lack of music education will greatly impact students' opportunities to develop into well-rounded, intellectually curious adults. I urge you to reconsider.
I student taught in South Hadley. The students are very talented and the staff are extremely committed. Please continue to support them.
Keep music going and keep Beth-Aynn! She is a blessing to the department and has done so so much for everyone and everything! ♥️
As a class of '86 band alum, I can only look back on my years in band and marching band with fond memories. An experience I am now passing down to my children who are just beginning to get involved in band. This past memorial day as my son marched in our local parade I thought back to my marching days and shared with him how great being in the high school band is going to be when he gets older! And all the new things he can learn. Music was a great avenue for those who didn't pursue sports and should always be an option. And as an adult I wish I had learned even more instruments. I urge all my children's friends to try music, it'll be something they can take with them the rest of their life. SHHS music program was amazing. That they were the marching 100 is something the school should always be proud of and strive to get back to. That the school and the director of course could rally that participation with such small graduating class numbers is truly amazing!
I was a member of the South Hadley Music Program from 2002-2006. Under the guidance of Beth Ayn, I increased my love for music. My fondest and most rewarding experiences occurred within the music department. I gained confidence in myself and challenged myself because of the music program. Cutting the arts is NOT the answer to make better students. An all academic roster does not prepare a student for college. High school students need to expand and have the opportunity to take classes in a multitude of areas in order to develop and thrive in college and adult life. Math and sciences are not for everyone, and high school students should not be funneled in that direction just because that's 'desired.' Please do not cut programs that were vital to me as a struggling teenager, who had a difficult time finding herself.
What an uniformed and dangerous decision. A quality education should be accessible to ALL South Hadley students.
I am a music teacher in CT, and I understand the importance of maintaining strong programs throughout our country.
Music programs are not expendable!
I am a full-time professional musician and an alumnus of the South Hadley High School music program (1999). I can say with confidence that my success in the music industry is in large part thanks to the music program at South Hadley High School. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I would not be where I am today if South Hadley had not supported its music program when I was a student. The huge number of distinguished music alumni from South Hadley speaks for itself. I really hope that issues with guidance, scheduling, and financial support can be addressed. I was able to participate in sports, theater, pass many AP exams, and graduate 4th in my class with honors, all while participating in the SHHS music community to the point that I decided to make a career out of it. It's troubling to hear that barriers have been put in place for students to pursue these paths. Furthermore, studies clearly show that strong music programs build community, reduce truancy, and improve test results. Please consider prioritizing music at SHHS to allow our students to get the robust educational experience that they deserve.
I am a proud alum of the SHHS music program (class of '94). And as a full time touring musician, I am reminded every day of the value of a robust music program in our schools and my wonderful experience with the SHHS music department.
Scheduling is the #1 cause of decreased participation in music and the arts in general. I can't think of a better way to shrink a music program faster than by cutting out several class options. A school that doesn't put its full weight behind its music program is not a school I would send my children to.
Without my years developing and nurturing my musical and creative outlet at South Hadley High School's music programs, I would not be the successful computer scientist I am today. The reach of music is far wider than most people seem to realize, and I am immensely grateful for the teaching and guidance I received as a student. Music is as fundamental to the development of young adults as the sciences.