Music education provides extensive academic as well as social/emotional benefits. Please allow the SHHS music program to fill its potential to thrive!
J
Jonathan Schmieding
9 years ago
As a student at Granby Jr./Sr. High School, I often worked with music students from South Hadley, specifically in the theater program. It is vital for our schools to uphold art and music education as a fundamental right. The opportunities I had working in South Hadley as well as in my own high school (Granby) were crucial in my development as a young musician. Without this early foundation, I would not have been able to achieve what I have since my time there. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in composition and digital media in Germany, where I have been living for one year.
K
Katie Fontaine
9 years ago
I was involved in chorus and marching band during all 4 years of my high school career as well as 8th grade, when it was housed at the highschool 15 years ago. My fondest memories, closest friends and most worthy life lessons were gained from these exeperiences. To think it's so easy to cut these programs without the blink of an eye is heartbreaking.
D
Dick Matteson
9 years ago
As a professional musician and resident of South Hadley, I am saddened by the decision of school administrators to cut funding for the SHHS music program. I received much of my early musical training at school and during high school sang in our mixed chorus, was accompanist for two choruses, played in the band, was assistant conductor of one of the school choruses, studied piano and organ, was in National Honor Society, was an Eagle Scout, active in my church, AND was part of a group of 14 high school students who took all the AP courses offered. My many musical activities kept me grounded and, ultimately became my career (which I continue as I turn 70!). I ask school administrators to re-think their decision and reinstate a full music program.
M
Miki Yamashita
9 years ago
I am a professional singer with the Los Angeles Opera today in large part because of the wonderful music teachers and programs at South Hadley High School. Music is not just an elective to some people; for me, it became my career. And it can be too for current SHHS students with a robust budget and community support!
R
Rose de Fremery
9 years ago
SHHS class of 1994
C
Connie Flachs
9 years ago
Featured
The music program at South Hadley High School was a hugely important part of my high school experience where I formed close friendships that I still have, 7 years after high school. Furthermore, it helped to prepare me for my current career in the performing arts. I hope it remains for other students!
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
This is heart breaking. You guys have a thriving music program and this will destroy it. I sincerely hope this helps.
C
Christopher Benoit
9 years ago
I am an Alumni if SHHS and this school's music program has received recognition in the past both on the state and national levels. Many of my classmates that were part of this program were able to share fabulous stories about how the music program helped them when we were students there. Don't let the music program die off and lose that recognition it so rightfully earned, it is not fair to anyone if it does.
C
Crystal
9 years ago
My fondest memories are with the chorus. I gained so much confidence my senior & wish I joined chorus my 8th grade year & not my sophomore year.
M
Maeghan Viverito
9 years ago
The music program at SHHS has changed hundreds of lives for the better. Please give as much support to the music program as possible!
E
Elisabeth Sowa
9 years ago
There is so much more to education than learning facts and preparing for a test. Chorus didn't just teach me to sing well. It helped me to build my confidence being in front of people and taught me the power of collaboration. The experiences of traveling to competitions, going to Toronto, performing in Harlequins and seeing musicals are what I remember most from my time at SHHS. Ms. Curtis has added so much to the arts community in SH during her tenure whether through music or drama. To lose any part of what she gives is a travesty. As a teacher myself now, I tell my students how being in the chorus was a major part of what kept me going in high school. It provides students a sense of belonging and to feel a part of something bigger than one's self. In its mission statement, SHHS encourages students to expand their learning by actively engaging in co-curricular activities. I know first hand the challenges a schedule can have on humanities and the arts, but these are the classes in which students most often explore things they are passionate about. Music education allows students the opportunity to learn about dedication, perseverance and how to take pride in building something together as a community. I know that public education is bleeding across many communities. Investing in our schools is investing in our future. I promise you that what these teachers bring to the table is worth every penny and that the lessons they teach will last a lifetime.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Music is an important part of my life and I can't imagine going through high school without taking music classes. Music should be available for all.
D
Daniel Paquette
9 years ago
Music education and band we vital to my ability to complete high school. It was one of the few things I looked forward to in my day and without it there would have been a good chance I would have fail out or never gone to college. Please do all that you can to fully support music education in South Hadley.
Daniel Paquette
Director, Westfield Athenaeum
K
Kylie Sexton
9 years ago
Music Education is not just an elective, it is a crucial part of students' day-to-day life. By promoting further cuts to the music program at this school, you are taking away the opportunity for student growth outside the "standard" classroom. I am signing today not just for my friends who went to this school, but for the future generations of doctors, lawyers, teachers, performers, etc whose lives could be touched by music.
K
Katie Doody
9 years ago
The music program at SHHS was the only part of my high school experience that taught me about compassion and community. At a time when the national arts budget is being slashed, it's disappointing to see that South Hadley is standing on the wrong side of this debate. Dr. Young: SHHS needs the arts, now more than ever. Please fix this.
D
Donna Poli
9 years ago
Music and the arts are so important to our children. It is a proven fact children who are involved in the music and arts achieve higher grades while in school. Please help to support this program in every way possible. Thank you
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Ms. Curtis, we love you.
G
Gabriel Rainsford Hahn
9 years ago
Love Curtis.
A
Alexa King
9 years ago
Music education is extremely important. My music education has led me to New York, and given me the skills to pursue any avenue. The scheduling procedures at SHHS during my time made it difficult to focus on arts education, even though that was what I wanted to focus on. There has to be a way to allow students to take a multitude of arts classes as well as challenging academics.
Music education provides extensive academic as well as social/emotional benefits. Please allow the SHHS music program to fill its potential to thrive!
As a student at Granby Jr./Sr. High School, I often worked with music students from South Hadley, specifically in the theater program. It is vital for our schools to uphold art and music education as a fundamental right. The opportunities I had working in South Hadley as well as in my own high school (Granby) were crucial in my development as a young musician. Without this early foundation, I would not have been able to achieve what I have since my time there. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in composition and digital media in Germany, where I have been living for one year.
I was involved in chorus and marching band during all 4 years of my high school career as well as 8th grade, when it was housed at the highschool 15 years ago. My fondest memories, closest friends and most worthy life lessons were gained from these exeperiences. To think it's so easy to cut these programs without the blink of an eye is heartbreaking.
As a professional musician and resident of South Hadley, I am saddened by the decision of school administrators to cut funding for the SHHS music program. I received much of my early musical training at school and during high school sang in our mixed chorus, was accompanist for two choruses, played in the band, was assistant conductor of one of the school choruses, studied piano and organ, was in National Honor Society, was an Eagle Scout, active in my church, AND was part of a group of 14 high school students who took all the AP courses offered. My many musical activities kept me grounded and, ultimately became my career (which I continue as I turn 70!). I ask school administrators to re-think their decision and reinstate a full music program.
I am a professional singer with the Los Angeles Opera today in large part because of the wonderful music teachers and programs at South Hadley High School. Music is not just an elective to some people; for me, it became my career. And it can be too for current SHHS students with a robust budget and community support!
SHHS class of 1994
The music program at South Hadley High School was a hugely important part of my high school experience where I formed close friendships that I still have, 7 years after high school. Furthermore, it helped to prepare me for my current career in the performing arts. I hope it remains for other students!
This is heart breaking. You guys have a thriving music program and this will destroy it. I sincerely hope this helps.
I am an Alumni if SHHS and this school's music program has received recognition in the past both on the state and national levels. Many of my classmates that were part of this program were able to share fabulous stories about how the music program helped them when we were students there. Don't let the music program die off and lose that recognition it so rightfully earned, it is not fair to anyone if it does.
My fondest memories are with the chorus. I gained so much confidence my senior & wish I joined chorus my 8th grade year & not my sophomore year.
The music program at SHHS has changed hundreds of lives for the better. Please give as much support to the music program as possible!
There is so much more to education than learning facts and preparing for a test. Chorus didn't just teach me to sing well. It helped me to build my confidence being in front of people and taught me the power of collaboration. The experiences of traveling to competitions, going to Toronto, performing in Harlequins and seeing musicals are what I remember most from my time at SHHS. Ms. Curtis has added so much to the arts community in SH during her tenure whether through music or drama. To lose any part of what she gives is a travesty. As a teacher myself now, I tell my students how being in the chorus was a major part of what kept me going in high school. It provides students a sense of belonging and to feel a part of something bigger than one's self. In its mission statement, SHHS encourages students to expand their learning by actively engaging in co-curricular activities. I know first hand the challenges a schedule can have on humanities and the arts, but these are the classes in which students most often explore things they are passionate about. Music education allows students the opportunity to learn about dedication, perseverance and how to take pride in building something together as a community. I know that public education is bleeding across many communities. Investing in our schools is investing in our future. I promise you that what these teachers bring to the table is worth every penny and that the lessons they teach will last a lifetime.
Music is an important part of my life and I can't imagine going through high school without taking music classes. Music should be available for all.
Music education and band we vital to my ability to complete high school. It was one of the few things I looked forward to in my day and without it there would have been a good chance I would have fail out or never gone to college. Please do all that you can to fully support music education in South Hadley. Daniel Paquette Director, Westfield Athenaeum
Music Education is not just an elective, it is a crucial part of students' day-to-day life. By promoting further cuts to the music program at this school, you are taking away the opportunity for student growth outside the "standard" classroom. I am signing today not just for my friends who went to this school, but for the future generations of doctors, lawyers, teachers, performers, etc whose lives could be touched by music.
The music program at SHHS was the only part of my high school experience that taught me about compassion and community. At a time when the national arts budget is being slashed, it's disappointing to see that South Hadley is standing on the wrong side of this debate. Dr. Young: SHHS needs the arts, now more than ever. Please fix this.
Music and the arts are so important to our children. It is a proven fact children who are involved in the music and arts achieve higher grades while in school. Please help to support this program in every way possible. Thank you
Ms. Curtis, we love you.
Love Curtis.
Music education is extremely important. My music education has led me to New York, and given me the skills to pursue any avenue. The scheduling procedures at SHHS during my time made it difficult to focus on arts education, even though that was what I wanted to focus on. There has to be a way to allow students to take a multitude of arts classes as well as challenging academics.