There has been a change in how the District is staffing our Band Program next year. Because of a reduction in hours for our band teacher, band students will now be part of the FAST rotation full-time. In previous years we have had the Band come out for one block of FAST and a mutually agreed upon block at another time. Next year, students will have the opportunity to go to Band three times per week; however, they will NOT be able to schedule: Foods; Wood; Music; Drama; or Art. This is a significant change in scheduling and students/families need to know that they will be required to stay in Band for the school year if they choose Band. To recap – Band will continue at Journey, but students in Band will not be in the FAST rotation.

What this means is interest in Band is going down as most kids want to be able to do all of the other FAST courses as well. We went from 63 grade 6 band students to 22, from 32 grade 7 band students to 15. The principal at journey has recently posted on the blog that “numbers are low at this point  and if there are not enough students enrolled, we will not be able to offer band.” We fear the Band Program will not survive this. Our Band teacher and kids have worked so hard the last few years to earn invitations to the Nationals and to be an award winning Band. With a reduction in interest and numbers, this won't be able to continue.

Kids need music!!  Studies have found that musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills. Learning to play an instrument can improve mathematical learning and even improve grades/test scores. But academic achievement isn’t the only benefit of music education and exposure. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together.

Please help us save the Band Program! Sign this petition asking the School Board to give back the Band teacher hours so that our kids can continue to do Band as well as all the other FAST rotations, so they don't have to choose one over the other.