Basking Ridge community rallies against cuts to choir programs and teachers

The Bernards Township School District is facing significant backlash over proposed cuts to its music programs, particularly the elimination of the middle school choir teacher and the third-grade string and choir programs. Community members voiced their concerns during a recent Board of Education meeting, emphasizing the critical role these programs play in students' education and personal development.

Parents and students alike rallied against the cuts, with one parent, Jen, highlighting the overwhelming support for music education in the community. She noted that a petition opposing the cuts garnered 579 signatures in just one week, underscoring the strong sentiment against the proposed changes. "The vast majority of people in our community do not support what you are doing with regards to the music programs," she stated, urging the board to reconsider its decisions.

Max Rodriguez, a current student, echoed these sentiments, warning that cutting the choir position would have devastating ripple effects across the district's music education. He explained that the proposed restructuring would significantly reduce instructional time, compromising the quality of education students receive. "Eliminating this one job will truly devastate choral music," he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust music programs.

Timothy Wei, the Ridge class president, also expressed concern over the potential impact of reduced choir instruction. He argued that the proposed changes would undermine the foundation of musical education, which is crucial for developing confident and skilled musicians. "You cannot expect true musical literacy or vocal development from students who rehearse less than 40 minutes a week," he warned.

The discussion highlighted a broader issue of equity within the district's music education, as many speakers pointed out the disproportionate focus on instrumental programs compared to choral ones. Riley Aviles, a former student and current choir director, stressed the need for a balanced approach to music education, advocating for the retention of the choir position to ensure all students receive comprehensive instruction.

As the board considers its budgetary constraints, the community remains hopeful that it will prioritize the arts and maintain the high standards that have distinguished Bernards Township's music programs. The outcome of these discussions will not only affect current students but also shape the future of music education in the district.