Support Music Education in South Hadley, MA

This bottom line thinking is dangerous. I CAN NOT imagine for a second going through high school with out music...it was the only thing that kept me engaged in school during my time there. It should be available to the students and should have the rigor so that students won't bypass it for the GPA. This makes me sad in a way I can't express...maybe a song could better express it but I don't see a way to attach one. If a picture paints a thousand words then music must provide a million.

Some of my best years were band at South Hadley High School. Would love to see others experience the joy of friends, hard work and gratification.

Music is the cornerstone of developing an open mind to culture and creativity. Removing that resource has the potential to stifle true growth.

If it wasn't for ms. Curtis and the music program I would have never survived high schook. It was the one room I could be myself, be with my friends, and have a teacher that knew you beyond to a personal level.

Beth-Ayn and I were classmates in the UMass Music Department and bandmates in the UMass Marching Band. What was written in the letter is true - she carries on the spirit and dedication that George Parks taught us so many years ago. To limit the amount of students exposed to this fantastic leadership is just simply wrong. Seriously, this needs to be rethought and reconsidered.

please dont cut the music program any more here ! give them more money more teachers ....Both my daughters were a part of this music program here and are both better people as a result of having experienced being taught by Beth-Ayn CurtisShe is an amazing part of the music depatrment there !!

I fully support this, I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for the music and theatre programs offered at SHHS. Ms. Curtis helped shape her students beyond just musically but also for the rest of their lives and entailed core values that I still hold dearly to this day. I hope more students will be able to be inspired by her Leadership and teaching. Music was and always will be a staple of my life and why I have had such success in my life.

Class of 1998, former member of TigerPride Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Chorus, and Concert Choir. As a transfer student in my Sophomore year, I can say that it was the music program that dictated to my mother where to relocate so that my music education would be the best it could be. Because of my instructors in the Music department, I was prepared well for college auditions and was able to go to my first choice school and earn a degree in Music Composition which I use in my own studio teaching and continuously writing and arranging music for both vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as performing in my community. Beth-Ayn Curtis was key in that preparation and is one of the hardest working teachers I know. She constantly challenges her students to excel beyond what they believe they are capable of. I have experienced first hand the life-long impact that she has on those who have been fortunate enough to be taught by her. It would be a huge disservice to the students of South Hadley to continue to cut the music department. It has always been a place of acceptance and inclusion. These ensembles are teaching the students to work together for a common goal. Whether is was for a competition or merely a performance, the students can overcome their personal differences and show that they are able to work as one unit. A trait I am sure that the school board would like to see instilled in ALL of the student body at South Hadley. Please consider the positive impact of giving the students of SHHS a full and complete music education will have on them for their entire lives.

I had the privilege of teaching at South Hadley MS a few years ago and worked closely with Mrs. Curtis. She is an amazing educator. During that time we had Mr. Thom Boates as well. The South Hadley Music department was well known thriloughtout the state. This is a sad turn of events. South Hadley will feel the loss of this great educator. I can only hope they figure out how to bring her back!

As an SHHS Music Program Alumni, I can personally say that the music program has helped me succeed in many ways. It has also taught me how to be more outgoing and less nervous in front of big crowds. All the skills taught in the program, although they are about music, has helped me successfully find jobs. I use the skills obtained by the program everyday.

Class of 1998, former Harlequins Drama Club member and officer, former employee (coach, permanent substitute teacher, and Harlequins co-director). Though I (unfortunately) can't say I was part of the music program during my years as a student at SHHS, I was tangentially involved through my years in the Harlequins Drama Club and the productions and resulting camaraderie between Harlequins and the Music Program was one of the highlights of my time as a SHHS student. It broadened my education—academically, socially, and emotionally. I can't imagine my high school experience without it. I will also say that although I was never a member of the band or choir ensembles—the success, accomplishments, and talent of the many groups was always something I was proud of as a student, employee, and resident. It’s something I’m still proud of as a former resident. I've known Beth-Ayn Curtis as a student, and years later as a colleague and I've experienced first-hand the difference she makes in the lives of her students. In the years I spent at SHHS—as both a student and employee—Beth-Ayn was one of the absolute best teachers on staff. Her absence would leave a gaping hole not only in the education of South Hadley's students but more importantly in their lives and support systems. I know an impressive number of SHHS alums who are thriving in music and drama-related careers due in large part to their early experiences through the SHHS Music Department. I urge you not to play a role in damaging that opportunity for current and future students. As a college admissions professional, I ask that you strongly consider the impact that cutting these positions could have on the future of the students and their post-South Hadley education.

"Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens." Maria Augusta von Trapp Open YOUR hearts and minds and help keep music alive and thriving in South Hadley!!! I did my student teaching in the music program at South Hadley many years ago - music is vital to our existence....don't be shortsighted and cut or reduce the support for this from your educational offerings!

Music made me an incredible scientist.

This program endures this threat year after year. It will be the students who end up suffering if these programs are not offered.

This should never be a question. Music is imperative.

As a parent of a student who graduated from South Hadley high school in 2012, I think the music program should be given more of a priority. My son participated in Chorus, AP Music Theory, Show Choir and competed and made it to the Allstate Chorus in Boston representing SHHS all with the help and support of his wonderful music teacher, BethAyn Curtis. He went on to attend Harvard University where he was chosen to sing with their chorus which traveled to different countries around the world! He just recently graduated majoring in psychology and minoring in music because of the great foundation and love of music he discovered at South Hadley High School. I strongly encourage you to make the music program more available to more students because, given the chance, they may also find it to be life-changing for them too! :)

SHHS class of 1987, and band member

Cutting funding to the arts/music is beyond detrimental to a balanced education. Do not rob children of creativity. A child cannot grow to be something or someone he/she isn't exposed to. The students deserve the right to express themselves artistically, without limitations. Taking that away is criminal.

Music is basic to education. Study after study produces overwhelming evidence of the connection between exposure to music and success in other academics - and life in general. Every student should be exposed to the arts - visual arts, musical arts, performing arts, electronic and digital arts. Every student should be encouraged to develop that side of their brain. This battle has been going on for generations. Until the schools schedule provides opportunity for comprehensive exposure to the arts for all students, South Hadley's curriculum will be less than complete. Well rounded education produces well rounded and engaged citizens.

My son, Thomas Bergeron, is an alumnus of the SHHS music program. His experiences there led him to a successful music career. He is currently Principal Trumpet in the Springfield Symphony, full time music faculty at Deerfield Academy, a member of the Atlsntic Brass Quintet, and founder and member of the Thomas Bergeron Ensemble. His time in the music program at SHHS was instrumental (pun intended) to this success. Please do not make cuts to this extremely important program.