Band boosters ask Tamaqua to continue support for music program

Music continues to flourish in the Tamaqua Area School District, according to a group that wants to see that pride and tradition continue.

A handful of members of the Tamaqua Band Boosters attended Tuesday’s school board committee meeting in support of the district’s music program.

Melanie Turrano, historian, said the Tamaqua Raider Band is 90 years old.

Turrano said she’s seen firsthand the benefits of what music has done not only for her children, but other children as well, from elementary school to high school.

“Music is alive here in our district,” Turrano said.

Turrano highlighted how music goes hand-in-hand with a sense of belonging, standardized test scores and graduation rates.

Further, Turrano said she’s traveled with the band to Disney the past couple of years, and added that the band is the “envy of every school.”

Dave Mace, vice president, said they hear feedback from opposing schools.

“We just hear wonderful things,” Mace said. “People are just blown away.”

Mace said his family is in the district because of the Tamaqua Raider Band.

However, he said, “We have watched the budget talks over the last several years. We’ve seen cuts to various programs throughout the school. It seems that 2018 and 2019 are years that keep coming up as being possibilities of budget issues within our school.”

“We, the band boosters, want to be proactive moving forward through the year so that our 90th season is not the last,” Mace said.

Mace noted that back in 2000, the district had five music teachers, and now has three-and-a-half.

“We want to move forward without any further cuts to band, chorus and general music at any level,” he said.

Mace added, “As you know, this organization is as much a part of the Tamaqua Area School District community as it is a part of the Tamaqua community.”

“We don’t want to see your auditorium, halftime show, graduation ceremony and community programs, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, go silent due to budget constraints,” he said. “We are here to work with you for the future, while keeping the pride and tradition of the past.”

After the meeting, Superintendent Ray Kinder said the district knows the importance music can have on students.

“The board of school directors and administration understand the significant role that music and music education can play in the lives of so many students,” Kinder said. “The music programs within our schools are a point of pride within our community, and are valued.

“The Tamaqua Area School District is fortunate to have the support of the band boosters, and looks forward to working with them in the future for the benefit of our students.”