To the School Administration and Board of Education,   We, the undersigned students, parents, alumni, and community members, strongly oppose the proposed reductions to the High School Marching Band and Concert Band programs. These changes will significantly harm one of the largest, most visible, and most impactful programs in our school if they are approved. The band program currently serves approximately 185 students daily. Reducing staff from four directors to two will create an unsustainable environment, limiting students’ access to instruction, support, and safety. Band directors do far more than teach music—they provide supervision, mentorship, logistical coordination, and immediate response to student needs, including instrument issues, health concerns, and emergencies. Cutting this support in half puts both the quality of education and student well-being at risk.   Additionally, these changes may:   - Eliminate essential instructional opportunities such as the “Senior Show” and halftime performances  - Remove critical support for students with disabilities, reducing equitable access to participation  - Increase ensemble sizes beyond effective learning limits, diminishing individual attention and musical growth - Eliminate the Gold Band and reduce upperclassmen ensembles, limiting opportunities for student advancement - Cancel meaningful traditions such as the Memorial Day performance and potentially the American Celebration Concert - Sever valuable student-teacher relationships by reducing instructor visibility and connection .   The band program is not just an extracurricular activity—it is a cornerstone of school culture, school spirit, and student retention. For many students, band provides a sense of belonging, discipline, and purpose. Weakening this program risks losing students who rely on it as a primary reason to stay engaged in school.   We urge the administration to reconsider these cuts and instead explore alternative solutions that preserve the integrity and accessibility of the band program. Investing in band is investing in student success, community pride, and the overall strength of our school.   Our Requests: 1. Maintain at least four band directors to ensure safe and effective instruction  2. Preserve all current band classes and performance opportunities 3. Ensure continued support for students with disabilities 4. Protect longstanding traditions and events that connect our school to the community     We ask that you stand with your students and community by protecting this vital program.   Sincerely, A concerned SMF student