VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Parents and teachers are pleading with city leaders to keep school music programs intact.
This comes as some teachers are getting sent emails about the potential downsizing of music programs at middle and high schools around the district. The group of parents and teachers are making their case with the school board and city council.
The council has already set up a meeting on March 6 to talk this over with school staff, and are encouraging any concerned neighbors and teachers to attend.
Melinda Rogers, a Virginia Beach resident, has multiple children in the music program and serves as the president of Band Boosters. Her oldest son, Alex Josa, played French horn and other band instruments while growing up. He is now getting multiple college offers and the family believes his involvement with music is playing a crucial role in his application process.
Rogers told 10 On Your Side these classes are not just teaching kids about art and culture — they also give them real opportunities for their future.
“Students benefit from music. It’s something that’s important to families, especially families that have students going to college,” Rogers said. “There are more opportunities for music scholarships out there.”
The school district declined WAVY 10’s request for comment.
Rogers and other parents plan on bringing this issue to Virginia Beach school board members at the regularly scheduled Tuesday night meeting.
