The board officially voted to keep those teaching positions open and our music department is finally secure. My own memories started in that band room and knowing it will be there for the next generation of students brings me such relief. Thank you for helping me protect the heart of …
July 6, 2019
Final supporters
For many years, the music Department at my school has been a staple of Derry pride. In recent years, though, it's taken multiple hits. Thirteen years ago, our music department had nine full-time teaching positions. For the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, there are going to be a total of four full time positions and one part time position. Currently, it seems that the retiring of a music teacher is an excuse to downsize the program. This must stop, and we need the community's help to prevent the demise of the program. Thank you for supporting Derry Area School District's music department!
**Edits** Just to clarify, our music program isn't being eliminated entirely. Derry is planning to absorb the position of another retiring music teacher.
If any comments are made criticizing the athletic department or any other program at Derry, the comments will be deleted. This petition was made purely to support Derry's music program, not to criticize other programs.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019
Seeing this kind of momentum feels surreal because I remember when I was the only one worried about these cutbacks. Your belief in our music program proves that these classrooms are worth fighting for.
May 7, 2019
I have been reading through your stories about how these classes shaped your lives and they remind me exactly why I started this fight. Watching these teaching positions vanish one by one feels like losing a piece of the school I know and love. I am currently putting together a folder of these experiences to hand directly to the board members so they understand what is actually at stake.
Reached 100 supporters
May 5, 2019
269 Comments
STEAM is supposed to be a a priority in Derry Area Schools. The “A” does stand for Arts. How can a depleted Arts Program be maintained when the staff continues to be decimated each time there is a retirement? As a former school administrator, I feel this is unconscionable!
As a 2017 grad I’d hate to see the music department go down any further than it has been or it was to be taken away fully. Music seemed to bring light to the school. I was in all choir groups except ensemble and in marching/concert band.
As one on the few schools in the area that still have a music program, please don’t take that away. My parents love coming out to see the kids because Hempfield doesn’t have a program in the younger grades like Derry does
As a former Derry Area High School educator and Assistant Band Director, I strongly urge the administration not to downsize the music department. Participation in Derry’s music programs, both vocal and instrumental, has profoundly influenced the lives of many students.
We have been impressed by number of students that are involved and the quality of the performances at the annual school plays at Derry School District. We are concerned about the impact on students and the community from reductions in the Music Department.
Both my children have been accepted into prestigious music programs. Their degrees will give them so many opportunities .
Music is an important part of education and stays with you well after you leave school. Studies show that folks with musical knowledge are less depressed and overall more satisfied with life.
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The board officially voted to keep those teaching positions open and our music department is finally secure. My own memories started in that band room and knowing it will be there for the next generation of students brings me such relief. Thank you for helping me protect the heart of …
July 6, 2019
Final supporters
For many years, the music Department at my school has been a staple of Derry pride. In recent years, though, it's taken multiple hits. Thirteen years ago, our music department had nine full-time teaching positions. For the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, there are going to be a total of four full time positions and one part time position. Currently, it seems that the retiring of a music teacher is an excuse to downsize the program. This must stop, and we need the community's help to prevent the demise of the program. Thank you for supporting Derry Area School District's music department!
**Edits** Just to clarify, our music program isn't being eliminated entirely. Derry is planning to absorb the position of another retiring music teacher.
If any comments are made criticizing the athletic department or any other program at Derry, the comments will be deleted. This petition was made purely to support Derry's music program, not to criticize other programs.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019
Seeing this kind of momentum feels surreal because I remember when I was the only one worried about these cutbacks. Your belief in our music program proves that these classrooms are worth fighting for.
May 7, 2019
I have been reading through your stories about how these classes shaped your lives and they remind me exactly why I started this fight. Watching these teaching positions vanish one by one feels like losing a piece of the school I know and love. I am currently putting together a folder of these experiences to hand directly to the board members so they understand what is actually at stake.
Reached 100 supporters
May 5, 2019
269 Comments
The music program is one of the only reasons I made it through high school. With all the bad in the world right now our kids need music and art more than ever. It saddens me more than I can put into words that this is even being considered.
STEAM is supposed to be a a priority in Derry Area Schools. The “A” does stand for Arts. How can a depleted Arts Program be maintained when the staff continues to be decimated each time there is a retirement? As a former school administrator, I feel this is unconscionable!
As a 2017 grad I’d hate to see the music department go down any further than it has been or it was to be taken away fully. Music seemed to bring light to the school. I was in all choir groups except ensemble and in marching/concert band.
As one on the few schools in the area that still have a music program, please don’t take that away. My parents love coming out to see the kids because Hempfield doesn’t have a program in the younger grades like Derry does
As a former Derry Area High School educator and Assistant Band Director, I strongly urge the administration not to downsize the music department. Participation in Derry’s music programs, both vocal and instrumental, has profoundly influenced the lives of many students.
We have been impressed by number of students that are involved and the quality of the performances at the annual school plays at Derry School District. We are concerned about the impact on students and the community from reductions in the Music Department.
Both my children have been accepted into prestigious music programs. Their degrees will give them so many opportunities .
Music is an important part of education and stays with you well after you leave school. Studies show that folks with musical knowledge are less depressed and overall more satisfied with life.
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Your share link
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The music program is one of the only reasons I made it through high school. With all the bad in the world right now our kids need music and art more than ever. It saddens me more than I can put into words that this is even being considered.