For over 30 years, the Jean Child's Young Middle School band program has served the Southwest and Westside communities of Atlanta and impacted the entire city through excellence in music, leadership, discipline, and mentorship.
This program is more than music education — it is a safe space where students thrive, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and find a true sense of belonging. It has produced outstanding leaders, scholars, and professional musicians while providing life-changing opportunities for generations of children.
Our band has earned top honors and performed for respected organizations and events including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, competing on high school and professional levels.
Eliminating this program would destroy a vital legacy that has positively shaped Atlanta youth for decades.
We call on Atlanta Public Schools, alumni, community leaders, AND community to preserve and fully support our students and protect music education for future generations.
Preserve our LEGACY!
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 13, 2026
Reached 250 supporters
May 15, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2026
177 Comments
I support this because I son will be coming to young very soon and I want him to have to same opportunities I had as a kid to be apart of something and band would be great for a kids like mines because he’s quiet and it would be a great way to met other kids or just for a outlet
Jeans child’s young band is where I fell in love with music I was a alto saxophone player I would do it all over again from the trip to New York to the yearly performance at Greenbriar mall every Christmas truly was a real experience from Mr Jeffery the band director we had a great time just all around ‼️
I am a former member of the Southwest Middle School Band Program (incl the jazz band). The band program gave me an area to excel, to develop confidence, and a place of belonging which motivated me to come to school and do my core academic work.
As a former HBCU drum major, Visual and performing arts graduate and product of Fulton county who has a career in music empathize with Young middle. Band was all I had growing up and saved my life. students who may need that deserve a chance as well. Praying things turn around in favor.
I am a product of Jean Childs Young bad program under the direction of the late Bobby Williams and Jessica Taylor. Currently, I’m a band director of 19 years (16 yrs in APS, 3 yrs in Cobb). I would not be the musician I am today without my education from JCY
I could have been one of those kid's, I had music in school and that's why I'm playing to day and give back to these school, I give instrument to students that cain't afford to buy one we have to keep music in these school's and keep Live Jazz music around Not the AI mess. MilkShake Mayfield
All arts programs are necessary for a well rounded student. Cancelling a program that has served the community for 30 years is unnecessary.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
For over 30 years, the Jean Child's Young Middle School band program has served the Southwest and Westside communities of Atlanta and impacted the entire city through excellence in music, leadership, discipline, and mentorship.
This program is more than music education — it is a safe space where students thrive, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and find a true sense of belonging. It has produced outstanding leaders, scholars, and professional musicians while providing life-changing opportunities for generations of children.
Our band has earned top honors and performed for respected organizations and events including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, competing on high school and professional levels.
Eliminating this program would destroy a vital legacy that has positively shaped Atlanta youth for decades.
We call on Atlanta Public Schools, alumni, community leaders, AND community to preserve and fully support our students and protect music education for future generations.
Preserve our LEGACY!
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 13, 2026
Reached 250 supporters
May 15, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2026
177 Comments
I had the opportunity to be apart of this band program during the years of 2010-2013 under the direction of Robert Jeffery. This pains me to hear that the program has come to this point; as this program has helped shape/build the community. I would do everything in my power to keep the legacy alive!
I support this because I son will be coming to young very soon and I want him to have to same opportunities I had as a kid to be apart of something and band would be great for a kids like mines because he’s quiet and it would be a great way to met other kids or just for a outlet
Jeans child’s young band is where I fell in love with music I was a alto saxophone player I would do it all over again from the trip to New York to the yearly performance at Greenbriar mall every Christmas truly was a real experience from Mr Jeffery the band director we had a great time just all around ‼️
I am a former member of the Southwest Middle School Band Program (incl the jazz band). The band program gave me an area to excel, to develop confidence, and a place of belonging which motivated me to come to school and do my core academic work.
As a former HBCU drum major, Visual and performing arts graduate and product of Fulton county who has a career in music empathize with Young middle. Band was all I had growing up and saved my life. students who may need that deserve a chance as well. Praying things turn around in favor.
I am a product of Jean Childs Young bad program under the direction of the late Bobby Williams and Jessica Taylor. Currently, I’m a band director of 19 years (16 yrs in APS, 3 yrs in Cobb). I would not be the musician I am today without my education from JCY
I could have been one of those kid's, I had music in school and that's why I'm playing to day and give back to these school, I give instrument to students that cain't afford to buy one we have to keep music in these school's and keep Live Jazz music around Not the AI mess. MilkShake Mayfield
All arts programs are necessary for a well rounded student. Cancelling a program that has served the community for 30 years is unnecessary.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 750 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I had the opportunity to be apart of this band program during the years of 2010-2013 under the direction of Robert Jeffery. This pains me to hear that the program has come to this point; as this program has helped shape/build the community. I would do everything in my power to keep the legacy alive!