Being a devoted member of our university's marching band for four years and an overall instrumentalist for over a decade, I have firsthand experience and deep concern about the conditions of our rehearsal facility.

Our current rehearsal area is a warehouse with extreme and unsafe environmental conditions. Inadequate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems expose us to extreme temperatures that deter from the creativity and practice of our passion. Mold infestation in our rehearsal space poses a serious risk to our health, with 1 in 3 people being sensitive to mold and its harmful effects, causing a variety of health problems (Baxi, 2020).

Moreover, irritating leaks from the roof disrupt our rehearsals, and the poor plumbing exacerbates the unfavorable environment. The threat amplifies with broken glass windows, a result of negligence and lack of adequate funding for repairs and maintenance.

Considering that music education enhances cognitive abilities (Hallam, 2010), it is imperative that we address these disturbing conditions we face. We ask for your support in drawing attention to our plight and getting the necessary resources to improve and create a new rehearsal facility for our band members.

Please sign this petition to stand with us in our fight for our right to a safe and conducive rehearsal environment.