Interlake High School has decided to stop funding its Jazz Choir program. Currently, Jazz Choir is an accredited class that meets before school each day for a full class period. Facing budget cuts, the school has decided that it will not support a class with only 16 members.

Our Jazz Choir is an integral part of the Interlake community, performing at assemblies, graduation, and choir concerts, and bringing recognition to Interlake by participating in and placing well at music competitions. 
 
Jazz Choir is not a small class for a lack of interest. Each year, many students audition for Jazz Choir and are turned down. The reason Jazz Choir is kept so small is because jazz choirs are required to be small to participate in competitions.

Furthermore, Jazz Choir has become more than just a space for students to experiment and gain experience in the creative arts - it is necessary. The school itself has shown us statistics about how depression and suicidal ideation are significantly more prevalent in high-achieving schools like ours. In such a tech-centered, rigorous, and intensive environment, creative outlets as fundamental parts of our education are essential because they allow us to build genuine community around expression. This creative expression also enables diversity and humanity in expression, which is a key Interlake value - if we say we value humanity, then we must actively value our arts programs. 

It is possible for the Jazz Choir program to continue as a club instead of a class. Due to continued student and teacher dedication to the program, this is likely what will happen if funding for Jazz Choir is not restored. However, this would require our choir teacher to work extra hours for almost no pay, which is not fair for the amount of work teaching a jazz choir requires. As a club, a jazz choir would also face other disadvantages that it would not face as a full class, like having to go through the club chartering process, not providing students with high school credits for their hard work, and not creating as much of a pressure to consistently attend. 
 
Jazz Choir offers Interlake students the skills necessary to sing in college groups and sing professionally. The program immerses students in challenging music and more importantly, creates a kind and supportive community that makes it one of the most memorable high school experiences for many people. As Jazz Choir members, we value the Jazz Choir program very highly and are devastated to see it being erased or downgraded. If you think that the Jazz Choir is a valuable part of Interlake High School, sign and share this petition. 
Thank you!