We all understand the cuts the government is making to our schools. The hard part is for it not to affect our children’s education. Many schools are going right for the music and band programs for that cut. Band is thought to be just a nice thing to have, and not life changing to our children. That is not the case for the St. Ignace band program. I believe it to be inspirational and life changing to many students involved.

The joke has always been that people in band are geeks. Director Jason Byma has taken the “geek” out of that. He has brought us Steel Band, Jazz Band, and MAC Percussion, even brought it out to the community with Adult Steel Band. I am sure he has given many kids the reason to get up and get to school every day. Many high school students struggle these days. With dropout rates so high nationwide, I believe this program keeps these kids coming to school.

If you want to see how supportive and proud the community is of this program, be at Jazz Night or the spring band concert. The house was packed and applause was loud! I believe this program has put many of our students on the track for college scholarships. At the last program, students had arranged and even composed music. This isn’t your average music program. It exceeds all others in our area. Without this program, many of our kids will miss life-changing opportunities. Can we really take this risk?

This program and Mr. Byma have changed every child’s life who participates in it, and has brought a community together with music. Let’s do everything in our power not to lose this program.

Kim Twork

St. Ignace