Growing Support
As anyone who has read previous posts would know, one part of my job last year was beginning the process of building a band program to serve students in grades 5 through 8 at my elementary-middle school in Society Hill. At the end of the year, we had successfully completed a DonorsChoose project, sent six rising 9th graders to the marching band and beginner band programs at the high school, and presented the ten member band to the school with a short performance.
Once, we came back in August I saw a huge difference in support and interest in the band from students and parents. I think part of what I was fighting in terms of support last year was fear of commitment in the community. The school has had a rough few years in terms of offering the same opportunities as other schools in our district due to enrollment numbers and lack of funding (which go hand in hand). So I think a lot of parents were wary last year in putting support and money in the band program in fear that it wouldn't last. However, now that parents have seen that not only is our band program doing things at our middle school level but that it is also turning into an investment for students in high school, I have had a lot more success in parents renting instruments, sending students to band events, and having students and parents show up to our performances.
Once, we came back in August I saw a huge difference in support and interest in the band from students and parents. I think part of what I was fighting in terms of support last year was fear of commitment in the community. The school has had a rough few years in terms of offering the same opportunities as other schools in our district due to enrollment numbers and lack of funding (which go hand in hand). So I think a lot of parents were wary last year in putting support and money in the band program in fear that it wouldn't last. However, now that parents have seen that not only is our band program doing things at our middle school level but that it is also turning into an investment for students in high school, I have had a lot more success in parents renting instruments, sending students to band events, and having students and parents show up to our performances.
This year, I have also seen a huge push in support from our community. Various civic groups and community members have provided financial support to our program as well as showing up to support the kids. One of our community members who also serves on an advisory board at the school district level bragged about our success to the district office and convinced them to write an article about us.
While we are still fighting the need for resources and scheduling, the growth we have seen from my first year to now gives me hope that this band program will be a lasting investment in these students' lives.
While we are still fighting the need for resources and scheduling, the growth we have seen from my first year to now gives me hope that this band program will be a lasting investment in these students' lives.
You can check out the article below.
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