Public Response to Potential Duluth School District Music Cuts
It was packed house for tonight’s Duluth school board listening session.
Parents, students, and community members showed up at the meeting to call for more support to district music programs amid possible budget cuts.
The crowd held signs reading “Music Matters,” as speakers expressed the importance of musical education, and why it’s critical to student’s success in the future.
“With plans being made to cut to give existing resources, we still have resources like lessons featured in the middle schools. These educators are providing help to overworked teachers, and they deliver private lessons, which teach vital skills needed for any player… These skills will allow them to succeed in high school and beyond. I can personally attest without those lessons back in middle school, I would be nowhere near the level I am today.” said Korah, a Duluth East High School Student (Orchestra).
“Each year, UWS, along with colleges and universities across the nation, hold auditions for prospective music students. Those who desire to be music teachers, performers, composers, arts administrators, and all the other careers come from a music degree. At these auditions, we also award thousands of dollars in scholarships. Access to high quality music instruction, particularly individual lessons, is one of the biggest factors for successful audition. Those who have had high quality lessons from a young age are more likely to be given music scholarships, and to be successful in a challenging music curriculum,” said Michael Fuchs D.M.A., UWS Music Department Chair/District Parent.
A majority of tonight’s speakers focused on preserving music education within the district, however other speakers also expressed their concerns over potential cuts the district’s Special Education programs.
District 709 has not announced what cuts will be made yet for the next school year other than reducing its staff by 8 percent.
The district is providing the latest updates on the budget issue on its website.
