Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Music Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senior says students being sidelined for orchestra pit spots; teacher assures students they will not be turned away
Summary
Emma Hall, a senior, told the Connellsville Area SD board that hired professionals are taking orchestra pit positions, limiting student opportunities; a teacher responded that students would not be turned away and would be given preference.
Emma Hall, a senior student, told the Connellsville Area SD board she was told by her band teacher that professional musicians would fill multiple clarinet and bass parts in this year's musical pit, leaving only one student spot. Hall said that while professionals can help, students should be given first priority for pit positions so the musicals highlight student talent.
"As someone who's been in the orchestra pit, I can say that having adult professionals can be a great help... However, I also don't believe that adults should take precedence in the pit over a student already limiting spots before auditions even take place," Hall said.
A teacher (identified in the transcript only by speaker number) responded later in the public comment period, telling Hall and other students that the teacher "assured me that a student would not be turned away" and that students would receive preference for pit placement. Board members asked staff to meet with students and parents and to address the issue through the curriculum committee if needed.
No formal policy or change to staffing was adopted at the meeting; the matter was referred for further discussion.
