To the Eau Claire Area School District:

We the undersigned urge you to reconsider the reduction to music positions at Memorial High School and offer this petition in support of Music at Memorial. These cuts are disproportionate to decreased enrollment and will create long-term challenges maintaining the high quality that the program has long been known for."

The ECASD mission statement is “To inspire and prepare our students to live creative, fulfilling and responsible lives.” Music is embedded in this mission as it harnesses students’ creativity. Numerous studies over the decades have shown the many benefits of studying music, which extend far beyond the music classroom, and leads to fulfilling, responsible lives beyond graduation.

The Eau Claire community showed its support for music in the 2022 referendum, which included nearly $20 million for renovating the Memorial High School auditorium and band room spaces, along with instruments and technology intended for the music program.

Music is constantly noted and praised as central to the city of Eau Claire’s identity. Visit Eau Claire’s website states “If there is one reason to come visit Eau Claire, it's for our art scene. A large part of our art is music. You can nearly hear it everywhere you go in Eau Claire. Find it at a handful of our local establishments, several local parks on weekday nights in the summer, or at our annual music festivals. The fact that Eau Claire is a hub for music is undeniable.”

Reduction to music instruction in the public schools is at odds with the district’s mission, the community’s support, and the importance of the arts in the identity of Eau Claire. It will have a negative impact on current students and generations to come.

Respectfully,

Parents, students, alumni, and community members.