Music fans are not going down without a fight.
The Coupeville School Board will vote Thursday on adopting a “modified education plan” which begins the process of cutting $1.6 million from the budget.
That first proposal offered by outgoing Superintendent Steve King includes “elimination of the secondary band/music program.”
The reaction on the streets of Coupeville? It doesn’t have a good beat, and you can’t dance to it.
The first letter to the board has hit Board Docs, and comes from Patrick Manuel, a highly-regarded music instructor who began his career in Coupeville.
His thoughts:
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Patrick Manuel, and I am the middle school band director at North Whidbey Middle School located in Oak Harbor, WA.
I was recently informed that the Coupeville School District is considering eliminating the band and choir program.
This is unfortunate because we all know the importance of music education and how music impacts and develops the entire student.
I worked in the Coupeville School district for four years as the Middle and High School Band and Choir Director.
My last year teaching in Coupeville was in 2002 right before Jamar Jenkins was hired.
Although my time teaching in Coupeville was short, I grew the program in a short amount of time.
The students in Coupeville were super talented and there definitely was a high interest in music in the school and community.
Depriving students of their music education is a travesty.
Students need this opportunity and healthy outlet in their education.
There is always an over emphasis on athletics and not every student wants to be an athlete.
I truly believe that a positive and energetic teacher could grow Coupeville’s band and choir program.
From what I have heard, Mr. Brown has already sparked a lot of interest in just a few months of taking over the program.
Fun fact, Mr. Sean Brown was one of my students when I taught in Coupeville.
I hope you consider my thoughts on the matter and thank you for your time.
I have also added the student numbers I started with in Coupeville and where I got them to in four years.
Beginning Band – 30 to 75
Advanced MS Band – 20 to 45
HS Wind Ensemble – 18 to 45
MS/HS Jazz Band – 9 to 14
Respectfully,
Mr. Patrick Manuel
North Whidbey MS Director of Band
Coupeville Sports 