Growing up in nearby Belleville, my experiences in music, theater, and marching band played a major role in shaping my path into the events and entertainment industry, where I now help manage the St. Louis branch of a large employee-owned AV company. As drumline captain my senior year of high school, earning “Best of Show Drumline” at a regional competition remains a highlight and a reminder that hard work and discipline are keys to excellence and success. I want students in the Columbia School District—including my three sons—to have similar opportunities.

We are currently blessed with four exceptional music educators for which I am extraordinarily grateful.  My sons have spoken highly of all of them and I personally have had the chance to get to know them over the past several years.  The district has also invested in a beautiful new auditorium at Columbia High School, however I’m concerned we lack the staffing to fully support and utilize it. With the upcoming retirement of Ms. Hughes and current teachers already stretched across multiple schools, the music program is at risk of becoming overextended, potentially diminishing the quality of instruction.

There are also safety concerns. One teacher overseeing 110 marching band students is not sustainable and limits both effectiveness and student support.

The performing arts build creativity, discipline, and teamwork—skills that benefit students far beyond the classroom. Investing in an additional full-time music teacher would strengthen the program, improve safety, and ensure our facilities are used to their full potential.

I urge the Columbia School District Administration and Board of Education to create and approve a new full-time music teaching position, in addition to replacing Ms. Hughes, in time for the 2026–27 school year—ideally soon enough to support this summer’s band camp.

Please consider signing this petition to support the future of music education in Columbia, Illinois.