We thoroughly enjoy the music programs. The different choruses plus the musicals. We need these programs just look around and see how many kids were involved.
D
Darlene Loftus
7 years ago
This program has provided a lot of opportunities for kids over the years. It has helped them gain confidence that is beneficial as they become productive members of society.
D
Donna Rodgers
7 years ago
In this day and age of angry kids with too much time on their hands to get into trouble why would you cut back on this?
C
celia rajkovich
7 years ago
music is a moral law. it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Words make you think a thought.
H
Heather Short
7 years ago
Our kids need music, for some of them it’s what gets them through their frustrations and hard times!
H
Heather Jobkar
7 years ago
Please also protect the future of the Art Department. The value of the Arts is priceless. It gives a child a healthy avenue to express their thoughts and emotions at critical and life changing times. The Arts can be an exceptional gift or outlet that brings humanity together and calms the soul.
A
Alyssa Sheppard
7 years ago
Science proves the benefit of music education in other academic areas. If you don’t recognize the benefit it as a critical area by itself at least recognize it for its ability to help students develop skills in other areas.
M
Melinda Halferty
7 years ago
For my granddaughter Lenka.
N
Nina Wissinger
7 years ago
Crazy thing I ever heard. Class of 82
M
Melissa Spock
7 years ago
I am a 2000 Graduate of Derry Area High School! I went to Derry for every grade and music was a huge part of it and had a huge impact on my life! The arts should never be taken away or limited!!!
A
Angela Girol
7 years ago
This program was so important to me when I attend Derry. I was fortunate to be involved in band and chorus and had the opportunity to attend county and district chorus meeting as well. Students need a creative outlet, a place to be themselves, especially if academics are tough for them. They can feel accepted and successful in music programs.
S
Sandy Smith
7 years ago
KEEP PROGRAM
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
SAVE THE MUSIC ITS WHAT WE ARE KNOWN FOR!!!!
D
Daniel Carson
7 years ago
The Derry Area School District has an extensive history of mismanaging both money and education. The decision to absorb a retiring teacher’s FTE effectively downsizing (again) the music department is another blatant example of the school’s innefeciveness and a further demonstration of their inability to manage money and educational programs. If the district’s leaders would pause to remember how many great musicians and artists have come from this school throughout its history then they wouldn’t make such decisions. In fact, having produced so many musicians throughout its history should serve as enough reason to maintain, without cuts, the school’s music program. Further, embarking on a path which will lead to the eventual dissolution of the music department runs counter to the mountains of scientific evidence which show greater academic and overall educational success for students who have the opportunity and are involved in music education. By continuing to decrease the number of music teachers, the availability and the diversity of music programs, the school is already publicly “testing the waters,” for this eventual dissolution.
Derry should be ashamed. The taxpayers demand better - The students deserve nothing less than the best that a high school education has to offer. Clearly, the leaders of this school district disagree.
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
Should never be cut
E
Erica Sulkosky
7 years ago
The music department was a huge part of my life for every grade I attended at Derry. It’d be a shame for the department to be downsized so drastically.
M
Marie Balzer
7 years ago
Our two girls attended Derry and had great and memorable musical experiences
K
Ken Hook
7 years ago
As a 1964 grad I have fondest memories of performing in LEAVE IT TO JANE, BYE BYE BIRDIE and SOUTH PACIFIC. As I recall, DASH was grades 10-12 with a an enrollment of approximately 750 and the choir numbered 96 members.
As elementary and junior high students we were bused to see the yearly musical for 25/35 cents. Enjoying the performances and observing neighbors participating, we aspired to be involved once in HS.
Having been a HS administrator for 23 years at 4 county HS and usually being the administrative liaison to the music department, I'm well acquainted with the significant educational and social merits of a strong and balanced music curriculum and extracurricular program. Please do all you possibly can to maintain and promote such.
C
Caitlyn Quidetto
7 years ago
Save the program!
G
Gregg Sweney
7 years ago
Featured
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 thoroughly enjoy the music programs. The different choruses plus the musicals. We need these programs just look around and see how many kids were involved.
This program has provided a lot of opportunities for kids over the years. It has helped them gain confidence that is beneficial as they become productive members of society.
In this day and age of angry kids with too much time on their hands to get into trouble why would you cut back on this?
music is a moral law. it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Words make you think a thought.
Our kids need music, for some of them it’s what gets them through their frustrations and hard times!
Please also protect the future of the Art Department. The value of the Arts is priceless. It gives a child a healthy avenue to express their thoughts and emotions at critical and life changing times. The Arts can be an exceptional gift or outlet that brings humanity together and calms the soul.
Science proves the benefit of music education in other academic areas. If you don’t recognize the benefit it as a critical area by itself at least recognize it for its ability to help students develop skills in other areas.
For my granddaughter Lenka.
Crazy thing I ever heard. Class of 82
I am a 2000 Graduate of Derry Area High School! I went to Derry for every grade and music was a huge part of it and had a huge impact on my life! The arts should never be taken away or limited!!!
This program was so important to me when I attend Derry. I was fortunate to be involved in band and chorus and had the opportunity to attend county and district chorus meeting as well. Students need a creative outlet, a place to be themselves, especially if academics are tough for them. They can feel accepted and successful in music programs.
KEEP PROGRAM
SAVE THE MUSIC ITS WHAT WE ARE KNOWN FOR!!!!
The Derry Area School District has an extensive history of mismanaging both money and education. The decision to absorb a retiring teacher’s FTE effectively downsizing (again) the music department is another blatant example of the school’s innefeciveness and a further demonstration of their inability to manage money and educational programs. If the district’s leaders would pause to remember how many great musicians and artists have come from this school throughout its history then they wouldn’t make such decisions. In fact, having produced so many musicians throughout its history should serve as enough reason to maintain, without cuts, the school’s music program. Further, embarking on a path which will lead to the eventual dissolution of the music department runs counter to the mountains of scientific evidence which show greater academic and overall educational success for students who have the opportunity and are involved in music education. By continuing to decrease the number of music teachers, the availability and the diversity of music programs, the school is already publicly “testing the waters,” for this eventual dissolution. Derry should be ashamed. The taxpayers demand better - The students deserve nothing less than the best that a high school education has to offer. Clearly, the leaders of this school district disagree.
Should never be cut
The music department was a huge part of my life for every grade I attended at Derry. It’d be a shame for the department to be downsized so drastically.
Our two girls attended Derry and had great and memorable musical experiences
As a 1964 grad I have fondest memories of performing in LEAVE IT TO JANE, BYE BYE BIRDIE and SOUTH PACIFIC. As I recall, DASH was grades 10-12 with a an enrollment of approximately 750 and the choir numbered 96 members. As elementary and junior high students we were bused to see the yearly musical for 25/35 cents. Enjoying the performances and observing neighbors participating, we aspired to be involved once in HS. Having been a HS administrator for 23 years at 4 county HS and usually being the administrative liaison to the music department, I'm well acquainted with the significant educational and social merits of a strong and balanced music curriculum and extracurricular program. Please do all you possibly can to maintain and promote such.
Save the program!
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.