The proposed budget cuts at Strong and Coginchaug Regional High School are putting music ensembles at risk. A reduction of $6,460 may seem insignificant in financial terms, but the impact on students and the community is monumental. This funding currently supports the music programs at Strong School and CRHS, fostering not only musical talent but also enhancing community spirit and school pride.

Music programs are a critical component of well-rounded education. These programs provide students with invaluable skills such as discipline, teamwork, and creativity. They also offer a platform for students to express themselves and celebrate diversity and culture through music. The ensembles at these schools have long been a point of pride, showcasing talent and dedication, and have consistently contributed to building a positive reputation for our schools in the community.

The CRHS POPS Executive Board has requested that the proposed cuts to music ensembles at Strong and CRHS not be accepted by the board. Please add your voice to ours by signing this petition and sharing with other family and community members!

Included in this negligible amount is some of the best money RSD13 spends on making the community feel good about our schools.  In addition to taking an opportunity away from some of the top musicians in our district, if jazz combo is cut, our community will lose, among other community outreach events the events below.  It seems shortsighted to take these well loved live music experiences away from our community.

• Live holiday music at the Durham and Middlefield tree lightings
• Annual performance at senior lunches at the Durham Community Center
• Veterans Day performances and taps players

We especially want to emphasize the importance of the Strong Jazz Club.  Some kids are music kids, and having a jazz club at Strong gives these students a way to connect and build community at school. Not every kid is a sports kid, but many of our musicians are also athletes and school leaders. We hope those of you who were in attendance at the Strong/CRHS Jazz concert with musicians from Grades 5-12 last month can speak to the wonderful performance and fantastic time the students had making music and connections. The progress that students make as musicians from 5th grade through high school is wonderful to witness, but we are already seeing that this experience will also contribute to successful social transitions for these students into the high school community as well based on feedback from parents.  For many who have been a part of CRHS POPS, opportunities like the jazz band and the music program at high school is the reason why we kept our students in the district.By being the key bridge between Strong and CRHS, our jazz band director has worked hard to rebuild the RSD13 music program after COVID and is doing a fantastic job with all that he has done for both groups in providing these opportunities which continue to be a reason for students to stay in district.

The RSD13 music department already operates on a barebones budget.  For instance, there is no monetary support for student musicians representing our district in CMEA regionals or All-State festivals.  The band is wearing forty-year old marching uniforms.  The auditorium in which all of our music ensembles perform desperately needs a new audio system and the space itself needs a refresh.

Beyond educational benefits, music programs are proven to improve student academic performance. According to a study conducted by the University of California, students involved in music ensembles scored 22% higher in English and 20% higher in Math standardized tests compared to their peers not engaged in music. Losing funding for our music programs could consequently harm students' academic performance, not just their musical development.

Cutting $6,460 from the music budget may appear to be a necessary financial decision; however, this small investment yields benefits that far outweigh the cost. It is important for the Board of Education to consider the wider implications of these cuts on student growth and the broader community. We urge the members of the Board to prioritize holistic education and community engagement by sustaining the funding for our music ensembles.

Please help us maintain these vital music programs by signing this petition. Let’s make sure that our schools continue to be a place where the arts are celebrated and our students can thrive. Together, we can ensure that these key cultural and educational resources remain accessible to current and future generations.