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Mukwonago parents, students and teachers press board to preserve elementary band and orchestra
Summary
Dozens of community members urged the Mukwonago School District board to retain elementary instrumental music after staff proposed program changes tied to scheduling and a 2:1 secondary model; administration said funding would not be cut but that scheduling and staffing implications require master-schedule work.
Community members packed the Mukwonago School District board meeting to oppose proposed changes to elementary band and orchestra that would alter how fourth- and fifth-grade instrumental instruction is delivered.
Speakers at the citizens' comment period — including parents, students, alumni and former music educators — said early instrumental exposure builds musicianship and broader academic and social skills and warned that eliminating or restricting fourth- and fifth-grade access would weaken the pipeline into middle- and high-school music programs. "Removing band and orchestra programs from our elementary schools would take away from one of the most important entry points of music education," one parent said, arguing that early exposure underpins later achievement and belonging.
The administration presentation described two draft program models under consideration. One model would maintain fifth-grade band and orchestra during the school day but limit lessons to whole- or small-group instruction at lunch and recess; elementary music teachers would travel between schools and secondary…
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