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Greater Burke Elementary Orchestra performance at Fairfax Corner

Save our Fairfax County Public Schools band and strings programs

Target:
All who value instrumental music in our children's education!
Sponsored by: 
Many have expressed concern, dismay and questions over the Straw Man list suggesting the elimination of the Fairfax County ElementaryBand And String program in the FY2011 Budget.  The school system faces a $176 million deficit.  Eliminating a program that serves 28,000 students is not acceptable.  This will, in a short time decimate our secondary school bands and orchestras.


This petition is intended to present as many of the facts as we know them at this point and to let you know that the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education (FACE) has met, formulated an advocacy strategy, and will be sending out information to your personal emails through the Presidents of all of our organizations.

Here are some facts about our elementary band and strings program:

  • Last year, 24,871 students were enrolled in band and strings (enrollments for this year are pending).
  • This number represents approximately 70% of all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in FCPS.
  • 116.8 positions are defined in the FY2011 budget as our band and strings teachers assigned to teach these students. Our elementary band and strings programs continue to grow annually.
  • Positions are different than teachers since many of our teachers are part-time. The 116.8 full time positions are covered by 146 personnel.
  • Last year, the Instruments for All (IFA) provided 7,111 instruments to students on free and/or reduced lunch. This year, the number is at 7,800 and continues to grow. These are students who could not afford to participate in our programs without the school system%u2019s support. Approximately 36 of our positions are hired to serve this added population.
We need your support!  PLEASE BE SURE YOU SIGN, CONFIRM AND CLICK THE ORANGE BUTTON FOR YOUR SIGNATURE TO APPEAR






Many have expressed concern, dismay and questions over the Straw Man list suggesting the elimination of the Fairfax County ElementaryBand And String program in the FY2011 Budget.  The school system faces a $176 million deficit.  Eliminating a program that serves 28,000 students is not acceptable.  This will, in a short time decimate our secondary school bands and orchestras.


This petition is intended to present as many of the facts as we know them at this point and to let you know that the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education (FACE) has met, formulated an advocacy strategy, and will be sending out information to your personal emails through the Presidents of all of our organizations.

Here are some facts about our elementary band and strings program:

  • Last year, 24,871 students were enrolled in band and strings (enrollments for this year are pending).
  • This number represents approximately 70% of all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in FCPS.
  • 116.8 positions are defined in the FY2011 budget as our band and strings teachers assigned to teach these students. Our elementary band and strings programs continue to grow annually.
  • Positions are different than teachers since many of our teachers are part-time. The 116.8 full time positions are covered by 146 personnel.
  • Last year, the Instruments for All (IFA) provided 7,111 instruments to students on free and/or reduced lunch. This year, the number is at 7,800 and continues to grow. These are students who could not afford to participate in our programs without the school system%u2019s support. Approximately 36 of our positions are hired to serve this added population.
We need your support!  PLEASE BE SURE YOU SIGN, CONFIRM AND CLICK THE ORANGE BUTTON FOR YOUR SIGNATURE TO APPEAR






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We signed the "Save our Fairfax County Public Schools band and strings programs" petition!
# 8,213:
1:53 am PST, Nov 21, Katie Baird, Virginia
# 8,212:
11:26 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,211:
9:59 pm PST, Nov 20, Kevin Salguero, Virginia
# 8,210:
9:57 pm PST, Nov 20, Susanna Bean, Virginia
This is incredibly, incredibly dear to my heart. The Fairfax County music program absolutely changed my life. I can never describe what it provided for me, in terms of social support, personal tranformation through music, the passion to devote my heart to working hard, the cognitive development, and the positive after-school use of my time. I will be heart-broken if we lose the start in elementary school, which is so critical and special. I participated in both the choral and band programs. Thank you for your time.
# 8,209:
9:39 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,208:
9:03 pm PST, Nov 20, Isobel Rahn, Virginia
My daughter is a product of FCPS music programs. Her vocational path was impacted by the wonderful band directors at Haycock, Longfellow and McLean High School. She is now an assistant band director at an award winning high school in Florida. Without the support and mentorships of her FCPS directors, and the high quality of the music programs, her path would not have been directed nor focused. To eliminate the elementary music programs would do considerable damage to a nationally recognized music program which would be felt for many years to come. Research shows that students who are involved in music have higher SAT scores, and are more disciplined and focused in their academic pursuits. Please do not do this to our students!!
# 8,207:
8:39 pm PST, Nov 20, Megan Talley, Virginia
# 8,206:
8:36 pm PST, Nov 20, Marydel Siervo, Virginia
# 8,205:
8:25 pm PST, Nov 20, Sharon Dubrow, Virginia
I still fondly remember my clarinet teacher and conductor from elementary school 40 years later and periodically pull out my high school concert band album. I would never have started had it not been offered in elementary school. Every music conductor I've met in Fairfax County is extremely dedicated and the students love them! The reason is that no other program touches this part of a child's intelligence and development and brings them together as loyal group. It would be a huge void and erode the quality and culture of our schools to cut the music programs. And it would end a legacy; how many parents participated in their elementary and high school bands? It truly is appalling to even consider it!
# 8,204:
8:21 pm PST, Nov 20, Johnny Nguyen, Virginia
# 8,203:
8:03 pm PST, Nov 20, Clarissa Siervo, Virginia
# 8,202:
7:49 pm PST, Nov 20, Steve Corino, Virginia
If this happens I am pulling my children out of Fairfax county public schools immediately
# 8,201:
7:33 pm PST, Nov 20, Elizabeth Price, New York
A school orchestra is a great endeavor and exposes children to all kinds of music. Instrumental music is a critical part of a child's education although not every child can play every instrument since they have single reed, double reed, etc. If a child is found to have ability he/she should be given every opportunity to play in a school orchestra or band. It is very structured and enhances self esteem. It can also carve a path to a future playing in symphonies and other areas of music. Learning to read music is an important skill. College might be more of an option for disadvantaged children if they can demonstrate musical ability and the skills of instrumental music.
# 8,200:
7:14 pm PST, Nov 20, Ryan Jung, Virginia
BAND ROCKS (not sure about strings but) BAND ROCKS
# 8,199:
7:09 pm PST, Nov 20, Hyunjun Kim, Virginia
Not only do band and string programs allow students to develop artistic and musical at an early age, but they also provide hundreds of people around the Northern Virginia with jobs; cutting the music programs at FCPS would not only rob the youngest kids of a chance to learn music but also worsen the current economic situation by cutting jobs in the midst of a recession.
# 8,198:
7:04 pm PST, Nov 20, Nusheen Farahani, Virginia
# 8,197:
7:02 pm PST, Nov 20, Sarah Masters, Virginia
# 8,196:
6:50 pm PST, Nov 20, Elizabeth Summerell, Virginia
# 8,195:
6:28 pm PST, Nov 20, Billie Nelson, Hawaii
# 8,194:
6:27 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
My child learned so much more than music through his participation in band and choir. He learned to be a part of something much bigger than himself. He learned to read and manage social nuances through continued interfacing with fellow students. He learned responsibility, dedication and discipline. He watched fellow students take on leadership roles as drum majors, section leaders, etc. My son learned to celebrate efforts, even when competition results were not as hoped (though often they were). Oh, and yes, he learned about music. Music provides a means to communicate, emote and find joy in life. Please, please carefully consider its importance in the lives of not only the students, but their parents and community in general.
# 8,193:
6:26 pm PST, Nov 20, Nicole Lendvay, Virginia
# 8,192:
6:07 pm PST, Nov 20, Catherine Chase, Virginia
While I understand that the budget for FY2010-11 faces a serious shortfall, cutting the elementary level band and strings programs in FCPS is not the solution to this problem. Our schools are the best in the area, and the excellence of FCPS is an integral element in maintaining the property values and quality of life in our area. Eliminating programs like band/strings lowers the quality of our schools and does a grave disservice to our children. It would eliminate the opportunity for children to explore their musical talents and interests and would cut them off from the many documented academic advantages conferred by early musical education. Cutting vital programs like these is just the first step down the road to educational mediocrity. We have seen the outcome in other states where educators and politicians favored cutting school programs instead of finding the funding, and it is not where Fairfax County should be headed.
# 8,191:
5:55 pm PST, Nov 20, Holly Knowles, Virginia
Please do not discontinue the opportunity for our children to participate in Band and Strings programs at the elementary school age level. I have a son who has been playing an instrument since the 4th grade and is now a freshman in High School. He started out playing the violin then became interested in the Saxophone and was recommended to play the Bari Saxophone in the 7th grade and has continued since. He has enjoyed playing and our family has enjoying listening to him as well as attending the many concerts the students participate in. This is a wonderful opportunity for all children since it shows interest in school activities and certainly shows on report cards (Honor Roll Student). Our youngest is currently in the 3rd grade and is anxious to play an instrument herself. My husband and I look forward to hearing and seeing her in concerts in the near future as well.
# 8,190:
5:25 pm PST, Nov 20, Donna Yu, Virginia
PLEASE DON'T CUT BAND AND STRINGS OR ANY OTHER THINGY YOU WANT TO!!!!
# 8,189:
4:54 pm PST, Nov 20, Moira Rose Donohue, Virginia
My daughter started in an elementary school music program. If she hadn't started then, she wouldn't be the musician she is today and she wouldn't have the college scholarship that is based in part on her musical ability. Save music in our schools.
# 8,188:
4:01 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, California
# 8,187:
3:59 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,186:
3:41 pm PST, Nov 20, Ben Lee, Virginia
music departments help and mean so much to students! my middle school orchestra teacher was like a mentor to me and a great friend! not only did i learn to play music, but he opened up the entire world of music for me.
# 8,185:
3:39 pm PST, Nov 20, Michael Mackay, Virginia
The elementary school strings and band music programs are one of the reasons that the Fairfax County school system is among the best in the country. Find other areas to cut!
# 8,184:
3:30 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,183:
3:26 pm PST, Nov 20, Nicholas Sednew, Illinois
Cutting music from elementary schools has to be one of the worst ideas the government has ever produced.
# 8,182:
3:07 pm PST, Nov 20, Linda Fager, Virginia
My son started playing the trumpet in 6th grade in Fairfax County Public Schools and now he teaches Band in Fairfax County Public Schools at the Elementary and Middle School level. My granddaughter wants to take flute lessons at Annandale Terrace Elementary School (FCPS) as soon as she is old enough. Four generations of our family play instruments and have built a life around their love for music. Please don't take the opportunity to learn to play an instrument at a young age away from my grandchildren!
# 8,181:
2:44 pm PST, Nov 20, Suzanne Wolinsky, Virginia
FCPS has always emphasized an awareness of different learning styles and aptitudes...please back up those words and philosophies with programs to develop the full range of talents. Otherwise, many children are left adrift. Without the arts, we are all diminished.
# 8,180:
2:21 pm PST, Nov 20, Christina Hansen, Virginia
My husband and I recently moved to Fairfax County and our first child was born just 12 days ago. We both played instruments growing up and I still tinker with my trombone often. We are seriously aggrieved by the prospect of a shrinking music program in the Fairfax County schools where our children will one day matriculate. Please consider the beneficial impact of music programs on the development and welfare of our youth - budget deficits must be met without impacting such important enrichment programs!
# 8,179:
2:21 pm PST, Nov 20, Anthony Garces-Foley, Virginia
# 8,178:
2:12 pm PST, Nov 20, William Charles Nicks, Florida
Music should always be preserved. I fully support saving the arts!
# 8,177:
2:03 pm PST, Nov 20, Alexandra Fraley, Virginia
# 8,176:
1:56 pm PST, Nov 20, Exphius Mortum, Indiana
i agree :3
# 8,175:
1:54 pm PST, Nov 20, Shelly O'Neill, Virginia
# 8,174:
1:53 pm PST, Nov 20, Shu Chuen Kao, Virginia
# 8,173:
1:47 pm PST, Nov 20, Cindy Gersony, Virginia
This is a very important program that serves so many kids -- and our whole community.
# 8,172:
1:28 pm PST, Nov 20, Katie Rice, Virginia
# 8,171:
1:26 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Australia
Creativity should NEVER be silenced...
# 8,170:
1:23 pm PST, Nov 20, Sara Viener, Virginia
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 8,169:
1:09 pm PST, Nov 20, JD Branch, Virginia
These programs are what kids remember and charish for a lifetime. Do not cut educational programs that promote self-expression, such as strings and orchestra. My kids enjoy greatly the opportunity these programs bring. LTC Dave Branch, Rolling Valley Ele. parent
# 8,168:
12:50 pm PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
My daughter began playing violin in the elementary strings program at FCPS. She now plays in her college orchestra. This has been an extraordinarily valuable program for her personal growth. Music is an integral a part of education and should remain in the curriculum!
# 8,167:
12:41 pm PST, Nov 20, Edwin Thayer, Virginia
It has been proven that the Arts help all other subjects! Please keep the present music and arts classes and expand them!
# 8,166:
12:37 pm PST, Nov 20, Marion Devlin, Virginia
It has been repeatedly shown that the study of music has a positive impact on academic performance at all grade levels, and that the impact increases as the years of instruction increase.
# 8,165:
12:36 pm PST, Nov 20, David Staub, Maryland
# 8,164:
12:35 pm PST, Nov 20, Teresa Mac Tavish, Canada
# 8,163:
12:34 pm PST, Nov 20, Darcy Davidson, Virginia
GO ORCH DORKS
# 8,162:
12:31 pm PST, Nov 20, Luiz Otavio Carvalhal, Virginia
# 8,161:
12:09 pm PST, Nov 20, Zach Martini, Virginia
Band programs in schools are important because they give students a break from the "normal" classes while still challenging and teaching them something extremely important. It gives students a way to express themselves and somewhere they can be accepted. I don't understand why you would try to take that away from kids.
# 8,160:
12:07 pm PST, Nov 20, Catherine Grizzle, Virginia
I am a product of Fairfax County Public Schools. In fourth grade, I started playing violin through Ms. Alice Vierra, string teacher at Orange Hunt Elementary School. From there, I participated in IrvingMS's string program through Mr. Steven Fraser, and now West Springfield High School's string program through Steve Fraser. The elementary string program is crucial to keep in FCPS. In fourth grade, it's cool to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with your classmates as well as learn the art of open strings, the anatomy of the violin, and so on. I attended the Senior Regional Orchestra concert featuring the top orhestral talent in the Fairfax County area this past weekend. The conductor told the orchestra to stand up if they've played in their elementary school sting prgram in fourth grade. Everyone in the orchestra stood up. Eliminating orchestra and band at the elemantary level would have affected everyone on that stage. Including me, and one hundred products of FCPS in the audience. Please do the right thing, FCPS. Do not eliminate such an amazing program from your budget.
# 8,159:
11:47 am PST, Nov 20, Karen Donais, Virginia
I am deeply concerned about the potential cut of elementary music. Not only has music participation been proven to improve student's capabilities in other subjects, but a cut would have an adverse affect on the local economy. Besides losing the teacher's positions, there would be a lower demand for instruments, so the music stores are affected. As the owner of a piano moving company, the potential for continuing decrease in income would be enormous.
# 8,158:
11:43 am PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
These programs are critical to both child and community development and must be kept intact.
# 8,157:
11:34 am PST, Nov 20, Arthur Schultz, Virginia
Without music the world would be a very sad place!!!!
# 8,156:
11:25 am PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,155:
11:23 am PST, Nov 20, Diana McClanahan, Virginia
# 8,154:
11:20 am PST, Nov 20, Reijaq Risseeuw, Virginia
# 8,153:
11:05 am PST, Nov 20, Sarah Castrillon, Maryland
# 8,152:
11:01 am PST, Nov 20, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 8,151:
10:52 am PST, Nov 20, Mary Grace Cunanan, Virginia
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