Hello!! I come to you today as a concerned parent. I have 2 kids in the band program at Murray County Schools and another one coming up in a few short years. I was saddened to know that Gladden Middle School has decided that the 14 kids who signed up for band at the school don't justify having a band class. Instead of having a year long class, which is imperative for learning proper music and fundamentals they will need to march with, they will now be placed in a General Music class which will not focus solely on band. I feel like the administration is saying that parents should be fine with their kids being at school from 7:00-7:45am in order to get any type of true band instruction. I understand the need to social distance but why must it be at the expense of kids who were at band camp this summer working their tails off only to be told that band class is not a priority at Gladden Middle School. When the debate of graduation came up this past May, the school board was quick to say what one school in the county did, the other school would do. So why is Bagley allowed a band class and Gladden Middle School is not? We need to stand up for these kids and be their voice. They deserve more than a 8 week elective class. Thank you!