Middle School Band — directly downstream

Beginning, intermediate, and symphonic band depend on a steady stream of K-5 students who can already read rhythm and pitch. Cut elementary music and beginning band enrollment is projected to drop within two years.

Middle school band directors will tell you the same thing: the difference between a class of incoming sixth-graders who had general music and a class that didn't is enormous. With foundation, beginning band gets to the first concert in October. Without it, half the year is spent on basics that should already be in place — and many students quit before they ever play in an ensemble. Within two budget cycles of the elementary cut, the symphonic and intermediate ensembles at all five GBSD middle schools become unsustainable.