I’m a ninth-grade band student at Arlington High School, and am proud to be part of such a great program. We are becoming one of the best bands in the region, with strong concert, jazz, marching and pep programs.
However, there are proposals to make huge cuts to the elementary and middle school band programs. We cannot afford to lose that time if the AHS program is going to continue on the level it is. These cuts are being made to accommodate the new middle school and WASL preperation. I would like to focus on the latter.
Cutting band by any amount is going to hurt kids who are behind, along with those who are ahead. For the first group, band may be an outlet, a chance to get away from the frustration that comes with other classes. Not to mention the countless studies that show band improves school work. To give you a small example: The top three countries for science ability among 14-year-olds are Hungary, the Netherlands and Japan. Music education is mandatory K-12 in all three. St. Augustine Bronx Elementary almost failed as a school in 1984. They then implemented a music program and now 90 percent are reading at or above grade level.
What about the kids who are ahead and don’t need the relentless assault of learning the same thing over and over again for a test they’re already getting fours on? If they don’t have something to challenge themselves, they’ll just ignore their other classes and scores will drop.
When you throw in the ironic fact that the No Child Left Behind act labels arts a “core academic subject,” it’s ridiculous that band is being considered for cuts.
Amy Smith
Arlington
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