Music and drama were the best parts of high school for me and I hope a compromise can be made so the program can continue
D
David Fournier
9 years ago
Considering this combination is further proof that the school district hasn't seen the football since the kick-off.. Music, dance, arts and humanities are outlets that give even more students the ability to go to college and succeed. Pull your head out and do what is right for the students...
D
David O Miller
9 years ago
Until recently, the high school vocal and instrumental programs were something to be proud of. They provided an option to kids with little or no interest in sports, like all four of my kids. The program positively affected all of my children, even to the point of the careers they have chosen after high school. In recent years the program has suffered dramatically under an administration that sees little or no value in the programs. Deeming sports programs to be of value, and band and choir to be of little or no value. I watched as my daughter was the senior activities award for her participation in band, choir, and drama. Then watched the vice principle stand up and say to the crowd "And now for the REAL awards..." as he began passing out the sports awards. It was incredible to watch the open disdain and hostility for programs that gave my children so much.
Watching the current administration attack and gut these programs they dislike so much, then point to them as "failing" makes me sick to my stomach.
If these programs are cut, it will be one more nail in the coffin of a district that is already in trouble. You will not attract people to your district without them. Or good teachers, for that matter. Or decent math and science programs.
Maybe you should focus on those things, and trim the fat out of the bloated and largely ineffective administration instead?
As it stands, I have a hard time recommending the WP high school to friends with kids. Which pains me, because that was not the case just a few years ago. Sad.
T
Tim Doust
9 years ago
If you want a quality education and attract families to the district you should support all aspects of education
J
Jennifer LeFevre
9 years ago
Vocal and instrumental music programs are important means of expression of the arts. Also, Research documents well how music connects to mathematics. Also known is how music provides a connection to those who engage in it as well as who listen. Instrumental and vocal music also provide school pride and are an asset to any community. I strongly support the hiring of a strong band and vocal instructor in the effort to keep music alive in Woodland Park.
C
Christine Gielas
9 years ago
No! The choral and music programs at WPHS were the greatest thing about that school. Downsizing won't help!
D
deborah paris
9 years ago
As a degreed K-12 band choir and general music teacher it is appaling to see what is being done to the music department in Woodland Park. I have subed for your music teachers and I am speaking from my first hand assessment. Shame on you for losing Connie Cambel and what you had her do this year. I hope that lip service to how important arts are to our students will become more than that and the district will prove they really mean that but doing what is necessary to put this program back to rights.
T
Teri McClintock
9 years ago
Our Children NEED these avenues to fully thrive in both the Arts, AND education as a whole. There is so much proof of this! PLEASE do not let this go!
L
Linda Rouland
9 years ago
You want to have an excellent music program, but you are unwilling to pay for it?? I do not understand.
K
Kyra
9 years ago
Music is important! Let the kids have it!
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Please make music education a priority for our kids.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Loved the band and music program. Let's keep it that way.
B
Benjamin Ellington
9 years ago
As a former band Member from WPHS I can definitely say the choir teachers usually knew little to nothing about the instruments. You need a separate and knowledgeable person for the band position.
M
Melissa Canaday
9 years ago
Class of 1993
Ladies Ensemble
Choir
3 Musicals
E
Ernest Hebson
9 years ago
Respect for music is important.
C
Cheryl
9 years ago
Woodland Park has been recognized more times for they're art (musical arts included) than any other extracurricular, at least from my understanding. I would hate for the thing that makes Woodland Park special to be downgraded, thus downgrading the students experience and future opportunities.
M
Mike Sliwinski
9 years ago
Band director in illinois
A
Analicia Raugh
9 years ago
I was a member of this school's marching band and their drama program and they honestly changed me forever. I love this school and I love these music programs.
C
Christina G Rubin
9 years ago
Parent of past students in band, jazz band. Suburb band directors! Placed in regional competitions individually and groups! Please keep the excellent instrumental faculty! WP has lost some of its past premiere music instructors. Chris Rubin
E
Eileen Levin
9 years ago
As a retired music educator from the Woodland Park School District, I urge the district to reconsider the combination of the band and choral position at the high school. Instrumental and vocal music are two distinct disciplines which require the expertise and knowledge of two separate people highly qualified in their field.
Woodland Park School District has had a history of excellence in music education, as attested to by its many awards, its reputation across the state, but mostly by the reverence, love, and appreciation of the parents and students who have experienced it. Music has always been a key component of our district's well rounded education. At a time when research has proven the positive effects of music study on the brain, the academic, social and emotional benefits for students, and that an increase in arts programs increases the effectiveness of schools, it is more important than ever to recommit the financial resources necessary to provide the Woodland Park students with an excellent music program at every level.
Music and drama were the best parts of high school for me and I hope a compromise can be made so the program can continue
Considering this combination is further proof that the school district hasn't seen the football since the kick-off.. Music, dance, arts and humanities are outlets that give even more students the ability to go to college and succeed. Pull your head out and do what is right for the students...
Until recently, the high school vocal and instrumental programs were something to be proud of. They provided an option to kids with little or no interest in sports, like all four of my kids. The program positively affected all of my children, even to the point of the careers they have chosen after high school. In recent years the program has suffered dramatically under an administration that sees little or no value in the programs. Deeming sports programs to be of value, and band and choir to be of little or no value. I watched as my daughter was the senior activities award for her participation in band, choir, and drama. Then watched the vice principle stand up and say to the crowd "And now for the REAL awards..." as he began passing out the sports awards. It was incredible to watch the open disdain and hostility for programs that gave my children so much. Watching the current administration attack and gut these programs they dislike so much, then point to them as "failing" makes me sick to my stomach. If these programs are cut, it will be one more nail in the coffin of a district that is already in trouble. You will not attract people to your district without them. Or good teachers, for that matter. Or decent math and science programs. Maybe you should focus on those things, and trim the fat out of the bloated and largely ineffective administration instead? As it stands, I have a hard time recommending the WP high school to friends with kids. Which pains me, because that was not the case just a few years ago. Sad.
If you want a quality education and attract families to the district you should support all aspects of education
Vocal and instrumental music programs are important means of expression of the arts. Also, Research documents well how music connects to mathematics. Also known is how music provides a connection to those who engage in it as well as who listen. Instrumental and vocal music also provide school pride and are an asset to any community. I strongly support the hiring of a strong band and vocal instructor in the effort to keep music alive in Woodland Park.
No! The choral and music programs at WPHS were the greatest thing about that school. Downsizing won't help!
As a degreed K-12 band choir and general music teacher it is appaling to see what is being done to the music department in Woodland Park. I have subed for your music teachers and I am speaking from my first hand assessment. Shame on you for losing Connie Cambel and what you had her do this year. I hope that lip service to how important arts are to our students will become more than that and the district will prove they really mean that but doing what is necessary to put this program back to rights.
Our Children NEED these avenues to fully thrive in both the Arts, AND education as a whole. There is so much proof of this! PLEASE do not let this go!
You want to have an excellent music program, but you are unwilling to pay for it?? I do not understand.
Music is important! Let the kids have it!
Please make music education a priority for our kids.
Loved the band and music program. Let's keep it that way.
As a former band Member from WPHS I can definitely say the choir teachers usually knew little to nothing about the instruments. You need a separate and knowledgeable person for the band position.
Class of 1993 Ladies Ensemble Choir 3 Musicals
Respect for music is important.
Woodland Park has been recognized more times for they're art (musical arts included) than any other extracurricular, at least from my understanding. I would hate for the thing that makes Woodland Park special to be downgraded, thus downgrading the students experience and future opportunities.
Band director in illinois
I was a member of this school's marching band and their drama program and they honestly changed me forever. I love this school and I love these music programs.
Parent of past students in band, jazz band. Suburb band directors! Placed in regional competitions individually and groups! Please keep the excellent instrumental faculty! WP has lost some of its past premiere music instructors. Chris Rubin
As a retired music educator from the Woodland Park School District, I urge the district to reconsider the combination of the band and choral position at the high school. Instrumental and vocal music are two distinct disciplines which require the expertise and knowledge of two separate people highly qualified in their field. Woodland Park School District has had a history of excellence in music education, as attested to by its many awards, its reputation across the state, but mostly by the reverence, love, and appreciation of the parents and students who have experienced it. Music has always been a key component of our district's well rounded education. At a time when research has proven the positive effects of music study on the brain, the academic, social and emotional benefits for students, and that an increase in arts programs increases the effectiveness of schools, it is more important than ever to recommit the financial resources necessary to provide the Woodland Park students with an excellent music program at every level.