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Teacher and parent urge board to reconsider elimination of fifth‑grade orchestra
Summary
A longtime elementary orchestra teacher and a parent told the board the district removed fifth‑grade orchestra without teacher or parent input and warned the change could threaten future middle‑school participation and student supports.
During the public comment period at the April 14 meeting, Ruben Hall, who teaches orchestra at Mountain View and other elementary schools, told the board the decision to cancel fifth‑grade orchestra was made without input from orchestra teachers or parents and warned that eliminating the feeder program could lead to declining middle‑school orchestra enrollment in two to four years.
"[The] decision was made without input from orchestra teachers or any of the fifth grade parents," Hall said, noting his 44 years teaching elementary orchestra and saying the feeder program is critical to sustaining middle‑school participation.
A parent identified only as Michelle echoed the concern, describing orchestra as more than an extracurricular activity: "The orchestra in elementary isn't just a program. It's a support system for kids who need confidence and structure," she said. Michelle described benefits for children with anxiety and dyslexia and asked the superintendent or board to explain who made the decision and to meet with parents.
Board members did not take action on the request during the meeting; staff and board members acknowledged the comments and said the matter could be discussed with the superintendent and appropriate administrators outside the meeting agenda.
