This week, Holdrege High School band students learned that the district was not renewing the contract of their band teacher and would be eliminating her position. The current vocal music teacher would be responsible for teaching both high school instrumental and vocal music, essentially cutting the music program in half. 

The cuts to the music program follow two years of award-winning performances achieved by the dedication and hard work of the high school students and their band director. Prior to 2021, the high school band had not received a superior rating at competition for 13 years. In October of 2022, the band received its second superior trophy two years in a row at state marching band competition. In fact, they earned superior ratings and trophies in nearly all competitions from 2021-2022. All instrumental soloists, concert band, and jazz band received superiors at district music contests in spring of 2022. 

The high school band has the largest number of students of any activity in the school with more than 50 students. Roughly one in every six students is a member of the high school band. While a dozen students will graduate in May, between 20-30 eighth graders will likely join the band as freshmen next fall, potentially increasing the number of students in band by up to 50%. 

Holdrege High School also has an exceptional vocal music program that regularly earns superior ratings for vocal solos, ensembles, and show choir. Throughout the year, dozens of music students earn spots in honor bands and choirs across Nebraska. 

To learn more about Holdrege High School’s music department, visit the music boosters Facebook page at Holdrege Dusters Music Boosters

Cutting a full-time music teaching position would eliminate several vocal and instrumental music classes, music theory class, and hours which could be used for private lessons during the school day. Just as weight lifting and physical education classes help to support the sports programs, additional music classes and lessons help the concert choir and the instrumental band students develop their talents.

We need strong advocates for music education to help the students of Holdrege High School who were reportedly told last week that there is nothing that they can do to change the decision.

Please consider signing this petition in support of Holdrege High School Music Students and ask the board of education and the administration to stop any cuts to the music department. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2023. 

**DISCLAIMER** 

Any donation made through this site does not go to the Holdrege Public Schools music departments, but rather boosts the petition on the site itself. We are simply asking for your signature.