We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members, are writing to express our deep concern about the current state of the Rustburg band program and to respectfully request immediate action to support its continued growth and success.

As it stands, the Rustburg Middle and High Schools share one band director, Mr. Ayers. He currently teaches at Rustburg Middle School in the mornings and travels to the high school for one class in the afternoon. While Mr. Ayers works tirelessly to provide quality instruction to all his students, this shared position creates serious challenges, especially for our youngest band students.

Most concerning is the impact this arrangement has on 6th-grade band, the foundational year when students are first introduced to instrumental music. This year, due to scheduling decisions, 6th-grade band is being taught in the afternoon, which is when Mr. Ayers is at the high school. As a result, the class has been assigned to the chorus teacher, who lacks a background in teaching instrumental music. It is important for our students to be taught by someone with the pedagogical knowledge and experience necessary to build strong technique and skills in beginner musicians.

In previous years, 6th-grade band was scheduled while Mr. Ayers was present at the middle school, allowing him to collaborate with and guide the chorus teacher to ensure students received proper instruction. This year’s schedule removes that oversight entirely, leaving our beginner band students without access to a qualified band instructor at a time when expert instruction is most critical. Without a strong foundation in 6th grade, students are far less likely to continue with band in the future, threatening the long-term strength of the entire program.

Additionally, we are concerned about the strain this places on Mr. Ayers, who is not only responsible for teaching at both schools, but now also for creating lesson plans for another teacher and trying to coach her through teaching instrumental music. This is unsustainable and risks teacher burnout, which could ultimately lead to us losing a highly effective and dedicated educator. Mr. Ayers has transformed the Rustburg band program since becoming director in 2019, garnering the support of families and community members and inspiring more students to join band each year.

Unfortunately, Rustburg’s band program is now being held back, not by lack of interest or potential, but by limited staffing and scheduling constraints. Unlike other schools in the district, such as Brookville Middle and High Schools, which each have a dedicated full-time band director, Rustburg does not have the necessary staffing to support a thriving, flexible music program. At Brookville High School, for example, students are able to choose from a variety of music courses, including multiple band classes, concert band, symphonic band, music theory, and music appreciation. In contrast, Rustburg High students currently only have access to one band class offered during the final block of the day. This lack of flexibility restricts student schedules and limits opportunities to grow and diversify the program.

Rustburg’s band students deserve the same access to quality music education as their peers in other schools across the district. The Rustburg band program has already proven itself as a source of pride and excellence within our community. With appropriate support and investment (specifically, a full-time band director at both the middle and high school levels), this program has the potential to flourish even further.

While we recognize that the current school year is underway, we urge the district to prioritize this issue and begin working toward a solution as soon as possible. Our students’ futures and the long-term vitality of the Rustburg band program depend on it.

Thank you for your time and your commitment to quality education in Campbell County.
Sincerely,