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I really cannot believe I am typing this but the school board actually reversed the decision and decided to keep the Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble running for next year! My head is spinning a bit because I honestly expected this to be a much longer fight but thank you for …

April 13, 2013

Help Save the East Band Program

Help Save the East Band Program

🏆 Won — 1,115 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Tamara H.
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Julie A.
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sarah b.
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Landy W.
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Anne L.
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Heidi S.
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Katelyn V.
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Hannah H.
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Thomas H.
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Gretchen H.
+1,105 more
Started by Anonymous 13 years, 6 months ago
The Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble has been an important program at East for many years. It may be the second of the two bands at East, but it is just as crucial to our program. It provides twice as many students the ability to be exposed to jazz early in high school, as well as contributes to the success of the upper jazz band and even the symphonic bands and program as a whole. The elimination of this band would be the equivalent to the elimination of a JV sports team. The success of our upper jazz band relies on the training given in the second band. The success of our Knights program is evident. Having a superior record at competition, as well as being nationally ranked proves just how successful our program is as of now. The notes ensemble, however, is not just a band for learning; they also have been successful in receiving superior ratings in competition, a great achievement for a second band. The elimination of this band will not only hurt the success of the top band, but also the students in the program. So many students at East are interested in jazz that just one band does not provide ample opportunity for all of these students. In the interest of our program and the students in it, please sign this petition and help us save our program! Thank you for your time and support!

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Updates

March 10, 2013

I just blinked and saw the counter hit one thousand signatures which feels absolutely surreal since I remember worrying if even ten people would care about the Blue Notes being cut. My brain is honestly spinning because that many people actually see how much this band matters even if the administration keeps acting like it is just some expendable club. I have to go find a notebook to start writing down everything I need to say when I finally walk into that meeting.

Reached 1,000 supporters

March 9, 2013

March 7, 2013

I just blinked and saw the counter hit triple digits which feels totally surreal given that I started this from my kitchen table while worrying about the fate of the jazz program. It is honestly wild how quickly this grew and I keep reading all your comments about what the band meant to you personally because it just reminds me why this matters so much.

Reached 100 supporters

March 7, 2013

6 Comments

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Tamara Heitland
10 years ago Featured

As parent of two SME alums, both involved in music, I find it hard to believe the District's alleged support for the arts when they propose staff-cutting solutions to budget issues. Music (and the other arts) are the only classes that feed our children's hearts and souls and make them better human beings. Fine arts classes also teach students how to be part of a team and how to get along with other people -- all essential skills in today's job market.

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David Lund
13 years ago Featured

Keep the band! It was the best part of my high school experience back in the day.

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Jen Rodriguez
13 years ago Featured

So many memories in that jazz room. Please dont get rid of it for the next group of kids.

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Mike Stokes
13 years ago Featured

My son is in the jazz program and loves it. Taking this away would be such a shame for the kids.

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Sarah Mansour
13 years ago Featured

THE SCHOOL NEEDS TO STOP CUTTING EVERYTHING THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS TO THE STUDENTS.

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Tom Kim
13 years ago Featured

Budget cuts always seem to hit the music program first. Its ridiculous.