— by Catherine Pederson —
Our School Music Program is facing a crisis situation!
You probably received a postcard in the mail last week thanking islanders for the completion of the last two years’ Phase II Building project. It included one music classroom – now used by the Band program. The need for two classrooms has been expressed but the second has not been built.
The need for a second classroom is greater now than ever! All music groups will increase this coming year — the music program is flourishing and growing in numbers. More space is needed — not less!
The existing space now houses all of Pamela Wright’s classes and elementary school classes. It is located in the elementary building. This space is not adequate for the size of the incoming string classes. They simply will not fit.
The space also houses all elementary music classes — grades K – 4. Two existing, alternative spaces are proposed in the Phase III Bond Proposal. Both are smaller in square footage than the present music classroom and present additional unworkable problems.
What can YOU do?
Attend the public meetings called by the school board this week:
- Monday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the School Library
- Tuesday, August 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the School Library
School board members and Superintendent Eric Webb will present the bond proposal and conduct tours of the school buildings to show the needs for maintenance, repairs, the track proposal and needs for growth in the music program
We are all looking for solutions for the expanding music program’s need for more and adequate space — well-designed for the needs of music teachers and students!
It is crucial that we voice our concerns in a positive, constructive way! Everyone is looking for affordable solutions that our community will support. Come to these two important meetings and invite your friends to speak up in support of the critical needs of our school music program!
School Music Matters!
Well stated Catherine!
Our public school music programs deserve the considerations you advocate.
Much appreciation.
Maybe devote the money it takes – or maybe has taken- to build two “Beach Volley Ball” courts to music facilities that can serve hundreds of students in any given school day. How many students can VB courts handle in a day? Maybe 10? Whoa! What am I missing?
Our school music program is a very important component to a well rounded life experience and we should all give it the support needed to keep music alive.
Recreation is also an important part of a healthy life. Some elements of the volleyball court folks may not be aware of are:
– We have an active group of apx. 35 players and it is growing all the time.
– Visitors have already been seen playing.
– School groups are planning to use the courts. Nets are adjustable for youth and adult play.
– It provides much needed team recreation for our working adults and is a very low cost sport to participate in.
– Large percentage of the cost was from player / donors. Total cost of courts was $11,600 with apx. $7,000 from donations and player fees.
Volleyball courts are part of the Orcas Park & Rec facilities and are not tied to the school funding or school facilities. Please let Park & Rec know if you have any other questions about Buck Park activities.
Charlie. You are missing that the money for the two beach volleyball courts comes from the Park and Recreation District, not the school. The school isn’t funding those courts, so not constructing them won’t help the music program.
Thanks to Joyce and Marcia for explanation re VB courts. One of the great assets of living on an island with reasonable citizenry is that wrong impressions and faulty information gets quickly corrected. Well, maybe most of the time. My point isn’t lost, even though faulty. Music in the schools is a vital component in the educational process.
Catherine, thank you for your dedication to and interest in our Orcas Schools vibrant music programs. Your note here is also welcome and ditto.
I am so sorry that I have been away the past couple of days on business; we have a great group of people on staff and in the community that are helping in explaining the need. Additionally, I am happy to answer any questions regarding the potential Phase III. tghazel@orcas.k12.wa.us