Skip to main content

Save Atlanta's Best Kept Secret - Jean Childs Young Middle School Band Program

177 Comments

V
Victor Phillips
2 months ago

Save this school!!

A
Anonymous
2 months ago

Keep the arts alive.

S
Shelman Miller
2 months ago

As an alum of the predecessor of Jean Child's Young (Southwest Middle School), and an alum of Benjamin Elijah Mays High School, it saddens me that this decision has been made. There are numerous studies that prove that student participation in the Arts (choir, orchestra, and band) increase test scores. This is not accomplished with a part time, possible non-certified teacher teaching general music at the middle school level. This will also severely impact the fine arts department at Mays High School as well. For the sake of the students, please reconsider and rescind this decision. Its not in the best interest of students!

K
Kolawole Odumade
2 months ago

JCY Middle School has been a pillar to many students. I learned the foundation, knowledge of music, and had great exposure playing in the wolves pack band. Not only have I played at the Atlanta jazz festival but I also played for the mayor party, & musicsoulchild. JCY Middle gave me the ability to further my skill in high school and earn 4 full ride scholarships in music for college, where I attended Tennessee State University. Played for the first black President ever, Barack Obama, NFL Hall of Fame, appearance on Netflix, Disney parade, US vs Mexico Soccer game, and more. Without JCY Middle would definitely not be where I am in life today.

L
Lori Wilson
2 months ago

Music saves lives. Music soothes the soul. Music thrives in academics. Many of our top leaders have a Music background. We need to save the arts.

E
ERIC MOORE
2 months ago

And we wonder why our band programs are not as strong as other school systems. APS has been systematically removing band from its schools since about 2008. Now here we are.

A
Andrea Turk
2 months ago

Students who participate in music programs perform better in the critical STEAM area of math. Fractions are a part of music and adding fraction notes to hold notes for the required amount of time translates to understanding how to add fractions in mathematics. Let that sink in and keep this program, please.

D
Denetra Evon Henderson
2 months ago

The continuation of band in middle school is detrimental to the success of band during the high school years & beyond! Please DO NOT DISCONTINUE BAND!!!

R
Requel Stegall-Perkins
2 months ago

Hoping for a better outcome. As a band director myself, I know this hurts.

K
Kimberly Knighton
2 months ago

Elementary Music education sets the tone for the students future success. The critical thinking skills developed in the arts education classes transfer to all academic areas. The research proves this to be true. Additionally, the high school arts programs are sustained by the regular supply if students that began to live music in Elementary school. Most school mission statements suggest that they provide a well rounded education that supports student growth. Well rounded means that they have access to all disciplines. Music is the one subject that embraces all of the academic subjects. Academic cross reference to Math, Science, Social Studies and Language arts. Moreover, many of our professional athletes, doctors and leaders reflect on and still continue their love of music. Without that elementary music experience, they might have missed an opportunity to be all that they can be. Please continue funding this very important part of a students well rounded education.

L
Lydia Raglin Thomas
2 months ago

Cutting any Fine and Performing Arts in this district is a horrible idea! Kids who participate in arts programs have statistically significantly higher testing scores. You will create a culture where kids will not have an outlet for creativity! Find a better way to cut funds! Keep all arts programs!

K
Kimberly Evans
2 months ago

The arts are vital to the overall education experience.

J
Jeremy McCant
2 months ago

Music is bigger than just a school, music makes the world go round. Music has kept people alive, music has given people hope, music is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Let’s continue pouring into the future of this school, city, state, country, world!

C
Cheri lee
2 months ago

Save this program arts are important

R
Reginald Q Carter II
2 months ago

Save the arts!!!!

J
John Conner
2 months ago Featured

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

S
Sydney Ragland
2 months ago

Appalled. The community needs band!