Our elementary band and orchestra programs are on the cut list again

Our elementary band and orchestra programs are on the cut list again. I feel I am in someways crying "wolf," but I think they mean business this time as they have not given music supporters any time to organize. I am forwarding information about a public meeting to be held at the Central Theatre at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15th that is with the board of education. They will be presenting information about cuts for next year. We need everybody there to express their support of these fine programs. If we lose our feeder programs, we will lose our upper level orchestras and bands within 4 years. Please come and show your support. The school board is making their final decisions on Thursday, April 17th at another board meeting which may not be open to the public. Thank you so much for your help.


Please come to this meeting to show your support for Music Education in our elementary schools. Music should be as fundamental as math, English, writing, science, and social Studies. Our community is richer because of our music program, and if you don't believe that, consider the local symphony orchestra; many of the musicians are in high school. Our community benefits, and our children do as well.

Special Meeting Notice:
Tuesday, April 15
3:30 p.m.
Central High School Theater A special meeting will be held by the
Rapid City Board of Education to discuss the
2008-2009 school year budget.
The meeting will be a review and discussion on necessary budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year.
The public and district staff are welcome to attend.
RCAS Board of Education

More information and links at The Robbinsdale Radical:

Why is it that they will always try to cut the music programs? Could it be that they are seen as more feminine in nature? Also more of the LGBT community tends to be in the performing arts so they are not as important as the so called masculine jock programs. Bottom line is that South Dakota and this area needs to stop trying to do education on the cheap.

Of course we have the right-wing fundamentalist conservatives who hate education and anything that will have students thinking for themselves and questioning their parents narrow views. They must protect the alternate reality in which they live.(O.M.)