I am writing in support of the St. Ignace Area Schools Music Program, including Elementary Music, middle school and high school concert bands, high school marching and pep bands, jazz band, steel bands, and MAC Percussion programs.

It has recently been brought to my attention that approximately $800,000 in budget cuts need to be made at St. Ignace Area Schools. There are many possibilities and areas being considered for cuts, one of which is the elementary music program, which would involve also cutting one of our two music teachers. This may drastically reduce many musical opportunities for our students.

Music is an important part of many students' lives. They learn valuable life lessons about the necessity of practicing, getting over anxiety when performing in public, and also in just appreciating music. The community is also enriched by our various musical groups' performances at football games, holiday concerts, Night of Jazz, Pop and Steel (which also raises funds for the department), Spring Extravaganza, summer performances by the steel bands, and others.

There will be a school board meeting Monday, May 10, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library when cuts will be addressed. I understand that this is all part of a bigger issue with funding cuts from Lansing, and that we need to contact our senators, representatives, and governor, also. Lansing, however, is slow to change, so if you support the immediate future of our music department at St. Ignace Area Schools, I urge you to contact the administration and school board members as well as attending the meeting May 10.

Susan Horn

St. Ignace