My daughter is a member of the W-L Band. She plays snare in the Marching Band drumline, drum set for the jazz lab, and numerous other percussion instruments in the symphonic and concert bands. She was part of the band that won every top honor, including Best Overall Band, in the Myrtle Beach Band Competition a few weeks ago, among other awards and distinctions throughout the year. I am not exaggerating when I say that being part of this band has changed her life and our family for the better, especially post Covid. She is a different, happier, and much more confident teen and I have no doubt whatsoever it is because of her participation in the band. We are appalled at this decision. My daughter is also a straight A student in intensive and AP classes and was committed to doing the IB program but is now considering not doing it just so she can stay in the band - if there even is a band after this. As a band chaperone I have spoken with numerous other students who are very upset and feel that they now have no choice but to drop out of the band. And that's to say nothing of our other arts programs. No matter what choice these students make they lose out. And it shouldn't have to happen. IB programs at other schools don't have this issue. I urge you to reconsider so that our students don't lose out.
L
Liz Vance
3 years ago
The APS music program was the best thing that happened to my son. And because of it, APS is getting a brand new music teacher next year. He’s graduating this week with his degree in music education. Something he definitely would not have done had he not been in band with Mr Robinson at W-L. Limiting access to music and art is short-sighted and frankly, stupid. Music is one of the great joys in life - it’s one of the things we live FOR. When the world is falling apart, why would you ever want to take away one of the few things that makes it better?
A
Anonymous
3 years ago
I support arts in Arlington schools. Band is incredibly important to students who play and to parents who try to cultivate leadership, teamwork and respect in their children. This world is filled with violence, drugs, and political nonsense. Kids need to be able to express themselves through art and find a friendships and beauty in healthy spaces. Arlington County should encourage kids to be both brainy (IB) and artistic (band).
A
Alison Trimble
3 years ago
While this change does not impact my family directly, as a parent of a W-L IB alum and orchestra member, I urge you to find a way to accommodate those IB students who want to participate in music.
D
Doug Fagen
3 years ago
The arts are an integral component of so many students experience at W-L. Do not make students choose between an IB diploma and their passion for arts and creative endeavors. High school is difficult enough, and the arts are often one of the greatest joys students experience during their time in high School. Please put this change on pause, to enable W-L time to figure out a way that students can continue to pursue arts, while doing the full IB diploma.
A
Anne Reed
3 years ago
As a former IB CAS Coordinator at WL, I recall the integral significance that the music program had on full IB candidates’ success. IB encourages deep participation in the arts. It’s that depth that brings excellence to WL in big and small ways and future success in higher Ed. Besides full IB, students enrolled in IB Music Theory to enhance college entrance applications in high stakes colleges and universities and conservatories. I see this potential change as forcing kids to choose between the arts and academia, catapulting the arts out the door. My granddaughter will be facing this hurtful choice if this unwelcome change occurs. How will the full IB program accommodate her gifts in music as well as academics?
S
Susan Leland
3 years ago
The arts should be an essential part of the IB education.
S
Sarah McDonnell
3 years ago
Band was a vital part of my high school and then college career. I can’t imagine requiring kids quit musical arts in order to pursue an IB education. I also can’t imagine my peers leaving the school’s musical arts program due to academic choices. When a student stops musical arts in high school that is usually the end of their ability to pursue those interests. Please continue to allow IB students and therefore all students to continue their musical pursuits and balanced high school lives.
A
Ann
3 years ago
That's meannnn don't get rid of the artsssd
K
Kavita Puri
3 years ago
I cannot believe that a high school would make students choose between continuing their music education (which has numerous mental health and brain power benefits) and pursuing the academic curriculum of their choosing. This is unacceptable.
K
Keith Cassidy
3 years ago
Featured
I do not live in Arlington, so I don't know that my name means anything to the petition. However, as a former theatre teacher at W and L, this concerns me greatly. I still feel very connected to the school and its arts departments.
J
Justin Rosario
3 years ago
Featured
Are you serious? My daughter has been in ochestra since 4th grade and it's been key to her involvement at school. If she chooses to step away by 11th grade, so be it. But to just take it away after 7 years of hard work? That's punishment, not encouragement.
A
Anonymous
3 years ago
Did IB Program, Sym Band and Jazz Band all four years. Best part of my time at W-L. Music education (especially with all the lessons Mr. Robinson teaches) continues to be important in life and teaches many life lessons. Whereas TOK didn't really teach me anything, truly. Anyways, not to compare/contrast, don't understand why W-L can't make them both fit! Make it happen!
S
Steven Levine
3 years ago
Maybe watch Mr. Holland’s Opus again.
E
Elliott Mandel
3 years ago
Music education is extremely important and should be available to anyone interested.
A
Abigail Cleveland
3 years ago
We must support music in our schools. This is unacceptable.
C
Cynthia D Margeson
3 years ago
Students need the arts for self expression.
C
Camille Scarborough
3 years ago
I graduated from W-L in 1988 and enjoyed participating in the music program. It’s so important for student enrichment and even mental health.
M
Martha Coello Larnard
3 years ago
The music program is integral to the experience at W-L. Students should have every opportunity to participate fully in the music program regardless of their participation in the IB program.
Band is so important!
My daughter is a member of the W-L Band. She plays snare in the Marching Band drumline, drum set for the jazz lab, and numerous other percussion instruments in the symphonic and concert bands. She was part of the band that won every top honor, including Best Overall Band, in the Myrtle Beach Band Competition a few weeks ago, among other awards and distinctions throughout the year. I am not exaggerating when I say that being part of this band has changed her life and our family for the better, especially post Covid. She is a different, happier, and much more confident teen and I have no doubt whatsoever it is because of her participation in the band. We are appalled at this decision. My daughter is also a straight A student in intensive and AP classes and was committed to doing the IB program but is now considering not doing it just so she can stay in the band - if there even is a band after this. As a band chaperone I have spoken with numerous other students who are very upset and feel that they now have no choice but to drop out of the band. And that's to say nothing of our other arts programs. No matter what choice these students make they lose out. And it shouldn't have to happen. IB programs at other schools don't have this issue. I urge you to reconsider so that our students don't lose out.
The APS music program was the best thing that happened to my son. And because of it, APS is getting a brand new music teacher next year. He’s graduating this week with his degree in music education. Something he definitely would not have done had he not been in band with Mr Robinson at W-L. Limiting access to music and art is short-sighted and frankly, stupid. Music is one of the great joys in life - it’s one of the things we live FOR. When the world is falling apart, why would you ever want to take away one of the few things that makes it better?
I support arts in Arlington schools. Band is incredibly important to students who play and to parents who try to cultivate leadership, teamwork and respect in their children. This world is filled with violence, drugs, and political nonsense. Kids need to be able to express themselves through art and find a friendships and beauty in healthy spaces. Arlington County should encourage kids to be both brainy (IB) and artistic (band).
While this change does not impact my family directly, as a parent of a W-L IB alum and orchestra member, I urge you to find a way to accommodate those IB students who want to participate in music.
The arts are an integral component of so many students experience at W-L. Do not make students choose between an IB diploma and their passion for arts and creative endeavors. High school is difficult enough, and the arts are often one of the greatest joys students experience during their time in high School. Please put this change on pause, to enable W-L time to figure out a way that students can continue to pursue arts, while doing the full IB diploma.
As a former IB CAS Coordinator at WL, I recall the integral significance that the music program had on full IB candidates’ success. IB encourages deep participation in the arts. It’s that depth that brings excellence to WL in big and small ways and future success in higher Ed. Besides full IB, students enrolled in IB Music Theory to enhance college entrance applications in high stakes colleges and universities and conservatories. I see this potential change as forcing kids to choose between the arts and academia, catapulting the arts out the door. My granddaughter will be facing this hurtful choice if this unwelcome change occurs. How will the full IB program accommodate her gifts in music as well as academics?
The arts should be an essential part of the IB education.
Band was a vital part of my high school and then college career. I can’t imagine requiring kids quit musical arts in order to pursue an IB education. I also can’t imagine my peers leaving the school’s musical arts program due to academic choices. When a student stops musical arts in high school that is usually the end of their ability to pursue those interests. Please continue to allow IB students and therefore all students to continue their musical pursuits and balanced high school lives.
That's meannnn don't get rid of the artsssd
I cannot believe that a high school would make students choose between continuing their music education (which has numerous mental health and brain power benefits) and pursuing the academic curriculum of their choosing. This is unacceptable.
I do not live in Arlington, so I don't know that my name means anything to the petition. However, as a former theatre teacher at W and L, this concerns me greatly. I still feel very connected to the school and its arts departments.
Are you serious? My daughter has been in ochestra since 4th grade and it's been key to her involvement at school. If she chooses to step away by 11th grade, so be it. But to just take it away after 7 years of hard work? That's punishment, not encouragement.
Did IB Program, Sym Band and Jazz Band all four years. Best part of my time at W-L. Music education (especially with all the lessons Mr. Robinson teaches) continues to be important in life and teaches many life lessons. Whereas TOK didn't really teach me anything, truly. Anyways, not to compare/contrast, don't understand why W-L can't make them both fit! Make it happen!
Maybe watch Mr. Holland’s Opus again.
Music education is extremely important and should be available to anyone interested.
We must support music in our schools. This is unacceptable.
Students need the arts for self expression.
I graduated from W-L in 1988 and enjoyed participating in the music program. It’s so important for student enrichment and even mental health.
The music program is integral to the experience at W-L. Students should have every opportunity to participate fully in the music program regardless of their participation in the IB program.