At Lake Central High School, the performing arts have always been a sanctuary for students. It's where we express ourselves, build confidence, and solidify our school community. As students deeply involved in performing arts, we were alarmed and saddened when Mr. Beck announced that PtE rehearsals, crucial to our artistic preparation and performances, were eliminated due to budget cuts.

Over the past years, these rehearsals have allowed us to refine our skills, collaborate effectively, and put forth performances that make our school proud. Eliminating them not only hampers our rehearsal process but also jeopardizes our future opportunities in the arts field. The chance to practice our craft, establish discipline, and learn teamwork has been suddenly taken away and this is unacceptable. 

PtE rehearsal also helps students get time to practice for different things like, jazz,combos, Drum Corp, Concert Band, Percussion, ISSMA Solo and Ensemble, choir gets time to practice together as a group during PtE and Theater also puts in all this hard working doing PtE to get props ready for the different shows they do, and these props take lots of time to make as it is made with wood and have to have power tools used. All of these students may also in AP classes or DC classes and are already really busy with school and may not have time to do rehearsals at home. They might also be in extracurricular events at the school So PtE rehearsals give them the time to practice at the time.

 Beck, we've received repetitive responses that failed to address our concerns sincerely or offer a viable solution. The vague explanations and lack of open communication have left us feeling unheard and undervalued as students passionate about our art forms. We also understand that there was a budget cut and a new music secretary now working at lake central but still we need to have these PtE rehearsals. 

Everyone knows about the Lake Central band program and how successful they have been. Gold ratings at Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) events and high placements in marching competitions.  The Lake Central High School Choir Program  has a long-standing history of regional and state-level accomplishments. The program consistently emphasizes high vocal standards, music theory, and competitive success.  They have also had many students in choir do solo and ensemble and have all gotten gold ratings and have gone to state. Theater has also put on shows for the community and have done outstanding job during these shows and all the hours they put in work hard after school late at night while some band members are in the pit band for the music part of all the musicals to make sure the musicals run as smooth as possible.   They also work on these musicals during PtE with different people so then they can get more done before any shows start and without these rehearsals they can't practice as much during school to make the musicals as good as possible.

Again they are all also students so they have to balance school work, possible extracurricular's, and possible jobs or anything else outside of school while still being in these programs. A lot of these students are also very smart and have always had good grades and this is because they have used their PtE rehearsal correctly to help them be very successful. 

It is crucial to acknowledge the role arts education plays in developing well-rounded individuals. Numerous studies have shown that involvement in the arts leads to better academic performance, enhances problem-solving skills, and fosters creativity, which is vital in today’s world. According to Americans for the Arts, students involved in arts learning experiences score better on standardized tests compared to those who have little or no involvement, regardless of their socio-economic status.

We urge Mr. Beck and the administration at Lake Central High School to prioritize the restoration of PtE rehearsals. Let’s ensure that future students can continue to benefit from performing arts as a core part of their educational experience. Sign this petition to support the cause and bring back the joy and opportunities of the performing arts to our school. Together, we can make a difference! Please sign to show your support.