After a wonderful concert and celebration of music education this spring, Jackson Heights Middle School (JHMS) parents, boosters and community supporters want more opportunities to see our musicians perform.

Join us in urging the school administration to reinstate our fall concert.

These performances are not just concerts; they are pivotal experiences in our children's lives, enhancing their stage presence and bolstering their confidence. The events allow us to participate as a community watching young musicians step onto that stage, dressed sharply in their band uniforms, ready to play their part in a musical masterpiece as a culmination of weeks of practice.

A few years ago, JHMS removed the fall band concert from its annual calendar, leaving us with only winter and spring performances. This change disappointed families looking forward to more opportunities to support their children's growth and has significantly impacted the development of our music program, particularly for the intermediate “concert” band students year after year. 

Research in music education consistently underscores the importance of regular performance opportunities for student growth. According to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), frequent public performances are integral for student musicians as they develop technical skills and musical literacy. Moreover, these performances are vital for improving students' stage presence, self-esteem, and collaborative skills, aligning with educational practices across the county.

Reinstating the fall concert at JHMS will align us with the county’s established practices. Most of our local middle schools hold three performances. It will also support a comprehensive music education for our students, fostering continuous growth in their musical journey. It is essential that our children have every opportunity to hone their performance skills and experience the joys of music.

Sign this petition and help provide our young musicians with the full range of performance opportunities they deserve. Together, we can ensure that our children continue to shine on stage throughout the year.