
The Music Department is one of the most positive and hardworking departments, because everyone wants to be there and loves making music. However, they are struggling to stay afloat.
The state and local governments are suffering financially, which leads to budget cuts, primarily in public schools. The department that seems to always get the brunt of it is the music department. This is endangering the ability for students to have a music education. In an article titled “Music Education in Crisis,” Chief Financial Officer, Joseph Pergola passionately states, “Too often, school leaders and parents lack a true understanding of the importance of music education in a child’s development.”
The school’s music department has a tight budget for instruments, uniforms, and sheet music. These things are vital for the department’s success, but with budget cuts they will be less likely to afford them in the future. Few people know about this because the department is rarely discussed.
The stigma around the music department is because many people think performing arts will not bring as much attention as other programs. For students who are into music, it is a place where they are happy and safe to be themselves.
In an interview, Orchestra member Will Hall tells us, “Music has been a great part of my school experience, so it’s a shame that it’s not talked about much.” The students in this department put a lot of work and dedication into the music they make. Hall also mentions that music is a huge commitment especially for those who practice outside of school, so it is disappointing to see that only their parents show up to support them.
8-year clarinet player, Lydia White, shared that their senior night was fun, because they got to celebrate the challenging work the seniors have done during their time in the department. White then eagerly added, “We practice 3 hours a week and we practiced for 2 and a half hours before the band classic on Saturday.” The classic was a competition against other schools. Although Bel Air High School could not compete, because they hosted, they were still able to perform. They obtained a score of 77.655, if their score counted, they would have placed third.
The music department is an excellent group to be a part of and they have much to offer. They deserve the same amount of attention that other departments and extracurriculars receive. They are just as talented and important.
The classic was only one of the many performances that the Music Department does. They also have 3 concerts: one in the fall, winter, and spring.
Go out and support them at their concerts, because they are talented and deserve the same amount of attention that other departments and extra curriculars get. Orchestra’s concert is October 14th; Band’s October 15th and Chorus’ October 16th.
The department will also be hosting events this fall to support their program, including a Thrift and Craft Harvest on November 9th in the Bel Air Cafeteria.