Allow all Bands to perform

The Issue

The high school music students at the Saddleback Valley School District in Orange County, California want to be allowed to perform again.
We write to you today as both concerned members of the Mission Viejo High School Instrumental Music Booster Association (MVHSIMBA) Board, and as troubled parents.
These students participate in Marching Band, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Winter Drumline, and Color Guard. Not only are music & Color Guard extracurricular activities, but also a fine arts class that they receive grades in. These kids are hardworking, determined, spirited, talented, and passionate and they have not been allowed to perform in person for over a year now. No competitions, no concerts, no football games. No audiences. No social interactions. No memories.
These activities provide an important outlet for students, building skills and character that are key to their intellectual and emotional development. Involvement in music keeps students engaged both academically and socially, and has been shown to improve motivation, self-confidence, and overall achievement in school. Being a member of the band provides a “safe place” for many of these kids and it has been stripped away from them.
While we acknowledge and appreciate the incredibly hard work done by our directors and coaches in this challenging virtual environment, nothing can replace the thrill and excitement of live performance with an engaged audience. Recent studies have found that with proper equipment and precautions, live music activities can be safely done. All of which we have...provided by our district.
What messages are being sent to our students when athletes can return to their sports, some WITHOUT face masks OR WITHOUT social distancing while playing, BUT musicians cannot perform even WITH face masks and WITH social distancing?
We respectfully request that our musicians be allowed live, outdoor performances, football games, concerts and competitions to resume without delay.
The mental health of our kids demands it. We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that our students have access to these important opportunities.

Carolyn DeBerardPetition Starter

Media inquiries

This petition had 544 supporters

The Issue

The high school music students at the Saddleback Valley School District in Orange County, California want to be allowed to perform again.
We write to you today as both concerned members of the Mission Viejo High School Instrumental Music Booster Association (MVHSIMBA) Board, and as troubled parents.
These students participate in Marching Band, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Winter Drumline, and Color Guard. Not only are music & Color Guard extracurricular activities, but also a fine arts class that they receive grades in. These kids are hardworking, determined, spirited, talented, and passionate and they have not been allowed to perform in person for over a year now. No competitions, no concerts, no football games. No audiences. No social interactions. No memories.
These activities provide an important outlet for students, building skills and character that are key to their intellectual and emotional development. Involvement in music keeps students engaged both academically and socially, and has been shown to improve motivation, self-confidence, and overall achievement in school. Being a member of the band provides a “safe place” for many of these kids and it has been stripped away from them.
While we acknowledge and appreciate the incredibly hard work done by our directors and coaches in this challenging virtual environment, nothing can replace the thrill and excitement of live performance with an engaged audience. Recent studies have found that with proper equipment and precautions, live music activities can be safely done. All of which we have...provided by our district.
What messages are being sent to our students when athletes can return to their sports, some WITHOUT face masks OR WITHOUT social distancing while playing, BUT musicians cannot perform even WITH face masks and WITH social distancing?
We respectfully request that our musicians be allowed live, outdoor performances, football games, concerts and competitions to resume without delay.
The mental health of our kids demands it. We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that our students have access to these important opportunities.