MUSIC PROGRAM CUT BY 60%

Thursday, October 27, 2011 By Donesha Sibley, Michael Cheung

MUSICAL CHAIRS: The drastic cuts have packed music teacher Wendy Kornbeck’s remaining four music classes beyond capacity. She says there are not enough chairs for everyone. - Alejandra Torres

Budget cuts and low enrollment in Venice’s music program have caused dramatic cuts this year. Six of last year’s 10 music classes were eliminated and the choir has been cut in half.

The cuts have crowded music teacher Wendy Kornbeck’s remaining four music classes. Half of an eliminated drama class was transferred to choir. Additionally, the band class was eliminated. Band members can still participate in the afterschool band club, but will receive no academic credit.

The latest reductions come after Reesa Jones, the band teacher, was laid off last June due to budget cuts. Her position, which included five music classes, was left unfilled.

Principal Elsa Mendoza says student enrollment reports showed that more students were enrolled in art classes than music. Consequently, while the music department lost two classes, the art department gained two additional classes.

According to Ms. Kornbeck, Dr. Mendoza had originally assured her that if she taught Intercoordinated Science (ICS), she would be given five music classes. She says Dr. Mendoza has not kept that promise. At press time, Dr. Mendoza did not have a comment on this agreement.

From her original six music classes, Ms. Kornbeck now only teaches four music classes (guitar, piano, guitar/piano, and choir) and one ICS class. Dr. Mendoza had needed a teacher for one science class after the displacement of AP Biology teacher Tory Toyama last month. Ms. Kornbeck holds a science credential.

Ms. Kornbeck says she has fought her hardest to stop the music cuts implemented by Dr. Mendoza and has filed a grievance report. She has contacted UTLA, parents, the Superintendent’s office, and the District 3 manager.

Ms. Kornbeck went on to say she feels oppressed from speaking her mind: “I am the Rosa Parks of Venice. I am standing up for my civil liberties and against the oppression Dr. Mendoza has caused.”

Students aren’t happy about the crowded classes either. Choir member Abeli Hernandez says there is nowhere to sit and some people even have to sit on the floor.

“If it wasn’t for music class, I would have honestly dropped out. Ms. Kornbeck stayed on us about grades so it motivated me to do well in school,” says Hernandez.

Ms. Kornbeck urged Venice students to stand up for the music department. “Music is still alive. There’s more to life than reading, writing and math. Music builds brain cells. Keep singing, stay strong. See you in Room 4.” â—Š

Source: http://my.hsj.org