Band's decline will have lasting impact

To the editor:

It is time everyone — parents, students, Bristol and Warren residents and the school committee — understand that the presence of the Mt. Hope High School Marching Band in the 4th of July parade is threatened not by former band director Robert Arsenault's support of the school music program that he so strongly believes in, but by the loss of former Kickemuit Middle School music teacher and assistant Mt. Hope Band director Melissa Labonte, and the subsequent downfall of the band we have all been so proud of.

Yes, it is true that other teachers have lost their positions and will be greatly missed. The loss of Ms. Labonte and her position, however, will have a damaging effect for years to come. Mr. Arsenault alone cannot maintain the high standards we have grown to expect from the band. These students need to be prepared before they reach the high school. To say that Mr. Arsenault "held students hostage" is a negative and unfair remark. He has the students' best interests at heart. He is extremely dedicated and works so hard for the kids.

We all understand the budget issues but surely something can be done to save the school band and keep it just the way it is. Perhaps if every member of the school committee had a child with a love as great as my son's for music, something would be done. Without his involvement in the band and the support, opportunities and encouragement he has received from these two excellent teachers, he would not be an All-State musician. Without the incentive to do well academically in order to be able to be a part of the band his grades would not have been as good. He could not wait to get to the high school to be a part of the Mt. Hope High School Marching Band because he knew how good they were.

I am sure there are elementary school kids who feel the same way, but will it be there for them, and will it be as good?

Carolyn Carreiro

50 Thompson Ave.

Bristol

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