For Immediate Release: A Response & Call to Action regarding Vancouver School Board’s proposal to eliminate the Elementary Band and Strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia strongly opposes the recommended elimination of the elementary band and strings program in Vancouver schools by the Vancouver School Board. We also strongly oppose the elimination of the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position.

These recommended cuts in funding and programming by the VSB will eliminate the opportunity for thousands of Vancouver elementary students to learn to play a band or string instrument. The educational benefits gained from participation in a school band or string ensemble, taught by a qualified music specialist teacher, are not replaceable with any other means of instruction. In an ensemble, students learn and develop non-verbal communication, finite listening skills, self-expression through an instrument, fine motor skills, positive social interactions, and participation in the creation of something bigger than oneself. The study and practice involved in a music ensemble enhances the human spirit in a truly unique way.

The Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator is the district’s lead liaison with the arts community, responsible for many educational partnerships, district collaborations, and professional development. If the VSB is to meet the needs of a 21^st century education, community partnerships and professional development for teachers are vital components. Eliminating this position would have a severe impact on students.

The Coalition for Music Education in BC strongly urges the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees to amend their proposed budget, preserve funding for the elementary band and strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator, and commit to a more equitable approach to elementary music education across the school district. The fabric of our unique Canadian identity is directly tied to the rich experience in music education. The less we provide our students, the weaker our society becomes socially, emotionally, aesthetically and ethically.

 Read our open letter to the VSB Board of Education here: http://www.cmebc.org/blog.html

A Call to Action

 The Coalition for Music Education in BC urges parents, students, community members, and concerned citizens to make their voice heard in support of the elementary band and strings program in the VSB.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS and time is of the essence. The budget goes to vote on April 28.

Please consider the following:

1.    Write to Mike Lombardi, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees, urging the board to retain the Elementary Band and Strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Consultant position, as well as to develop a district policy for music education that offers all students equitable access to music education taught by a specialist teacher. (sample letter attached) Email: mike.lombardi@vsb.bc.ca

2.       Attend and/or register to speak at the upcoming Public Consultation Budget Meetings on Tuesday, April 12 (or Thursday, April 14 if required) by emailing budget2016-2017@vsb.bc.ca.

3.       Follow the Coalition for Music Education in BC on Facebook and Twitter for updates and action items. www.facebook.com/cmebc; Twitter:@cmebc

4.       Share this information with your friends, families, and neighbours and encourage them to make their voices heard in support of school music education of our children.

Who we are: www.cmebc.org

The Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia Society (CMEBC) is a registered non-profit society made up of parents, students, educators, arts organizations, and supporters from across our communities whose mission is to protect, promote, and advance music education in British Columbia.

For questions or comments, please email president@cmebc.org

 

A Letter from Parents, Community Members and Concerned Citizens to the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees

[This letter can be tailored to reflect your own values, ideas, and views. It is suggested that you introduce yourself, whether you are writing as a parent or concerned community member, and include any other relevant personal details.]

 Dear Mr. Lombardi and the Vancouver Board of Education Trustees:

 I know you and your colleagues are facing a difficult series of financial decisions regarding the budget for our school district. When making these decisions, I urge you to understand that parents and community members in our school district place great value upon the elementary band and strings program.

 The recommended cuts in funding and programming by the VSB will eliminate the opportunity for thousands of Vancouver elementary students to learn to play a band or string instrument. This is not a sacrifice we are willing to make. Furthermore, your recommendation to eliminate music specialist teachers from our schools is alarming and upsetting.

 The opportunity to play in a school band or orchestra is incredibly valuable for our children. They learn to express themselves on an instrument and communicate with one another using the language of music- the only language understood by every human being. They learn an intricate set of intellectual, physical, and emotional skills that cannot be gained in the same amount of depth or significance without this incredible program. The fabric of our unique Canadian identity is directly tied to the rich experience in music education. The less we provide our students, the weaker our society becomes socially, emotionally, aesthetically and ethically.

 We also place great value on the district’s Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position. The Coordinator is the district’s lead liaison with the arts community and is responsible for many educational partnerships, district collaborations, and professional development. Eliminating this position would have a severe impact on students.

 I ask that you do not take instruments out of the hands of our children, and that you withdraw your proposal to cut our elementary band and strings program and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator position.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)