The Baldwinsville Central School District in Central New York has decided that in-person Music Education is not going to be part of the 2020-2021 district reopening plan.  As a result hundreds of students will be losing out on the personal relationships and the creative and emotional needs that music in our schools helps to develop.  

While we understand that there are safety measures that need to be in place, we reject the idea that in-person music education is not able to happen within these guidelines.  We feel it is important for the emotional well being of all students within the music program to have some sort of in-person ability to create music with the music staff and their friends.  Small group ensembles could be created within the district cohorts to allow for this.  In-person music lessons either one on one or with 2 or three others would help our students realize that the district recognizes that music does matter to their students.  They need an outlet to create music with one another again. And not just virtually.

We implore the school to have serious conversations with the entire music department staff, key parents, and students on ways in which Music Education can happen in person this year and survive these challenging times.  By cutting music education they are ignoring a vital community within the district that helps the district excel on all levels.  Music Education is part of a full well rounded education.  Please don't let our students and music staff feel their passion is not an integral part of the Baldwinsville Education System.