Amherst, Mass., Elementary School Instrumental Program

To:  Amherst, Mass., School Committee

PETITION TO PRESERVE
THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMS

Amherst, MA

We the undersigned urge the Amherst School Committee to preserve the Amherst public elementary schools' instrumental programs. We are cognizant that dire times require dire cuts, but we are resolved that the music program should be saved for the following reasons:

EDUCATION. Music education plays a FUNDAMENTAL role in children's basic education, contributing in countless positive, formative ways to the development of:

--cognitive skills
--mathematical abilities
--social skills
--small and large group work skills
--self discipline
--cultural awareness
--listening skills
--a capacity to engage in slow diligent work toward a future goal

EQUITY. The elimination of the elementary programs, available free of cost to ALL students, will disproportionately affect the underprivileged who may not be in a position to fund private lessons. We consider this a SIGNIFICANT social justice issue.

FUTURE PROGRAMS. If the music programs are cut at the elementary level, before long the Middle School and High School programs will also be cut for lack of trained, prepared, motivated students to participate.

PRIDE. The music programs have long been a source of pride in Amherst, and have produced many successful professional musicians.

EARLY INITIATION. It is well documented that early development of musical skills is essential for the development of professional musicianship. In eliminating the program we limit this option for our students.

REPUTATION. The music programs have long made the Amherst public schools stand out among other public school systems. This reputation draws families into the district and gives our students an advantage in the college admissions process.

RETENTION AND FINANCE. The elimination of this program will have a detrimental impact in the district's ability to retain students who might otherwise opt for other school choice and charter options. This will result in continued financial drain for the district.

COLLATERAL LOSSES. The amount saved through the elimination of the elementary school program does not warrant the collateral losses associated with discontinuation.

RE-START COSTS. The cost of starting up the music programs again at some future date will be PROHIBITIVE: this decision is a one-way road.

CREATIVITY AND SUCCESS. Like all of the arts, music provides children with creative and emotional outlets, and thereby has invaluable psychological benefits that help sustain students' abilities to be productive in school and thus save resources in staff time and school funds.

CULTURE. There is a profound, inherent value in teaching children from an early age to play musical instruments and to read and appreciate music.

We therefore respectfully urge you, the Amherst School Committee, to save the elementary school instrumental programs, for the good of our children and our community.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Amherst, Mass., Elementary School Instrumental Program Petition to Amherst, Mass., School Committee was created by and written by Sara Eddy (seddy66@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.