Protect the Future of Derry's Music Department

I truly love the music program and do not want it to end!!

Daughter loves music and want her to have the same opportunity as others did in the past.Music is just as important as other activities in my opinion it’s a way for children to learn something they will have the rest of there life unlike other activities you can only play part of your life music can be played your whole life please consider this program to be as important as others

I am a resident of Greensburg Salem school district. My daughters participated in the arts at Greensburg Salem. It was a very positive and great experience for both of them. It taught my daughters the values of team work and confidence. I attended Night of the Stars Thursday May 2. I was so impressed with the students from Derry. They were awesome. The students were outstanding. There where 9 schools participating. Derry was by far the best performing school. I believe the arts at Derry are a valuable asset. Please keep the arts going at Derry. I am looking forward to more great performances from Derry

Derry needs to keep its music department. It is an important part of student's education, and cutting out the arts jeopardizes that.

The music program is my rock and balance...please save the program

I was very active in Derry's music program and middle school and high school. It helped mold me into the successful individual I am today! Music programs help channel emotions into a something productive and help curb unwanted and unlawful behaviors. Music gives children an Avenue in which to vent their frustration and create something beautiful from it. It is despicable to even begin to think about cutting these programs. Shame on you.

I am a music teacher in Pennsylvania and I understand the importance of music programs for individual students and the schools at large. Schools need band! Schools need choir! Support music!

Graduated 2005 was involved in Chorus, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Band

If it wasn’t for Derry’s music program, I don’t know where I’d be.

I love music

Graduated in 2015

I student taught at Derry School district in the elementary school and learned so much that I take with me everyday to my current job as a music educator. To take a position away from this excellent program would be a huge mistake and disservice to all of the students in the Derry school district.

As a graduate I have always been proud of the music department and have enjoyed their programs.

Music programs include students who may fall through the cracks. Aid them with self confidence and coping skills. Help to incorporate them into mainstream schooling. Keep our music programs intact please! And thank you!

I’m a 2015 Derry graduate. In four days, I will be receiving my undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, continuing my studies as a Master in Music in Vocal Performance/Opera at West Chester University, starting Fall of 2019. I have been blessed to have been a part of the music program at Derry since fourth grade. The education, performing experience and music educators that I studied under at Derry has contributed to my musical studies. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the music program at Derry. The choral and band department were a place where I, and many others, could be themselves and not feel like an outsider thoughout the school district. The music program has shaped me to be a better student and to be a better person, helping and supporting those around me. Music is much more than a form of entertainment. To myself and many others, music is what we look forward to everyday. I could not imagine a school without a music program. For many kids, the choir and band room is a sacred place. Please don’t take that way from them.

A 1982 grad who has the best memories ever from being involved in the music dept. It was not just the plays, musicals, and concerts, but the faculty( Miss Jones aka Mrs. Calvo and Mr. Calvo). Who pushed us students to try, encouraged us, were there every step of the way, and applauded our successes. We made to our high school experiences because of all the early beginnings and opportunities we were given from elementary school thru Junior High. Derry has always had an outstanding music dept. Proud to say I was honored to be a part of it, and grateful to those who choose to give of themselves and provide me with unforgettable experiences. Please do not cheat the future students out of the unforgettable experience that should be theirs to have.

Music is the best I cannot live with out music

I'm a 1994 graduate of Derry and a former marching band member. I'm now raising my kids in the North Hills School District, where we continue to grow our nationally recognized music program, increasing our staff.

The music program keeps kids occupied and passionate about something and not off trying to discover a new drug. Eliminating a position will give kids less time to learn and grow into well rounded people and more time with nothing to do. To cut down on the music program would be creating a string of catastrophes that would aid in disabling our future generation

There is value in all forms of music and art- please consider replacing a music teacher so the program stays vital!