One of the pillars of our existence is a practical matter—and it matters a lot: the destructive decline in public school music budgets. Schools all over are quietly dropping choirs, bands, or orchestras. In some schools they still exist but have been hobbled. Consider the time it takes a conductor and two assistants to simply tune a middle school orchestra’s instruments at the start of a 40-minute rehearsal. Then try it the following year with only one assistant. Then with no assistant. Sure, the orchestra still exists, but the conductor can’t keep up, and the kids lose.

Talent is withering as budgets wane. Want proof? Since the 1999-2000 school year, Knox County Schools has cut music budgets by 50.4 percent (adjusted to today’s dollars) while it has added around 9,000 students. Knox County residents below the poverty line—the families we serve—increased from 12.6 percent to 15.6 percent during the same period. Kids who have talent, work ethic and the need to develop themselves through the art and discipline of music are being left behind.

While beloved family philanthropists the Haslams made a remarkable gift this year in support of Knox County high school marching bands (thank you!!), they would surely agree there’s more to be done.

All of this motivates us to engage our community to serve our community. These are our kids. If we can’t convince the politicians, then let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen here at the School, and in our outreach in the community. Give. Volunteer. Advocate. We’re an ensemble. Let’s play our parts!

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis Graffeo

Executive Director

 

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