The Day The Music Died: Jazz Program at Washington Middle School in Peril
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Budget cuts continue to impact the lives of students at Washington Middle School and beyond - this time coming for one of the school’s most beloved teachers within the school’s highly rated Jazz program.
“Kids like me will never discover these things if band isn’t able to be offered to all who want to take it,” Washington Middle School student Parker Collins said. “You would truly be taking away the best thing about my school.”
The teacher who students and parents are stepping up for is Mike Sundt, and instructor who has impacted the lives of numerous students within the school. He’s taught at Washington Middle School for four years, and was informed last month that his job would be cut due to the school district’s $131-million budget deficit for next school year. He says the issue is not about him—it’s about the students.
“This is about a music program that serves a substantial role in the community of that school not having the support that it needs to function as it should,” said Sundt. “The important thing is that we have so many kids who will want to continue doing music and with the way things are going to look like, we won't be able to support those kids in the way that I and other music teachers know is best practice.”
The music program at Washington Middle School is the main feeder program for Garfield High School. Gayatri Armes is a ninth grader at Garfield and plays with the band there. She also studied under Sundt, who influenced her music path.
“I think he's the biggest reason for why I'm playing jazz - like he's the only reason. I was never really dedicated to band. I didn't actually have that much of an interest in band until Mr. Sundt was my teacher,” said Armes.
Assistant superintendent Bev Redmond issued a statement saying that while cuts aren’t final, they are coming and that one arts educator will have to be displaced at the school.
“Budget adjustments are incredibly difficult. However, the commitment to our excellent music programs is unwavering. High-quality music instruction remains a priority and will continue at WMS,” read part of the statement.
The community plans to continue to advocate for Sundt and the program in the coming weeks.
Reporting by Cesar Canizales on behalf of Converge Media.
#Music #Jazz #Education #MiddleSchool #Students #MusicProgram #Seattle #BlackMedia #BlackMediaMatters
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