As many of you may know, music education in the Burnaby School District is again being threatened as SD41 is considering ending the Grade 7 Band Program in all Burnaby elementary schools in the plight of reduced funding. They claim that over $500,000 can be saved from cutting the program, but we must ask ourselves, at what cost?

Music is not just an extracurricular activity—it’s a vital part of a student's education. For many, Grade 7 Band is their first real introduction to playing an instrument, reading music, and working as part of a team. It engages students and builds creativity, confidence, and most importantly, a sense of belonging for their desired interests. Taking this opportunity away from future generations dusts their potential, showing everyone how a student's interests in the arts is not a priority. A study by the National Institute of Health shows how learning an instrument helps alleviate stress, increase cognitive ability, and potentially boost IQ and social interactions. 

Many music students have already voiced their concerns over this decision. Below is a link is an article on students voicing their opinions on how band has affected their lives. 

https://sd41-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/1077124_edu_burnabyschools_ca/EQAIpTbpBmpDrLvX2Rw6VQ8B-3kUG_CCtCHQko4gJTLXWQ?e=ncGgVJ

On behalf of all music students in Burnaby, we urge SD41 to reconsider the decision of ending grade 7 band. We hope the school board will explore alternative solutions that don’t involve ending the very programs that have  shaped the uniqueness of Burnaby students for many decades. 

By Signing this Petition, you are preserving priceless music education for generations to come.