We are writing on behalf of the many parents and community members involved in the Windham Performing Arts Alliance. The mission of the WPAA is to “support student performing arts in the Windham schools including theater, band, orchestra and vocal arts.” We have grave concerns regarding the recent budget proposals that would cut the music curriculum at the Windham Middle School.

Music education should not be viewed as an “extra” in our school budget, but as an essential part of the school curriculum. There is much research that links music instruction to improved cognitive abilities, it is a core component of both the Maine Learning Results and No Child Left Behind Acts, and it is a proud tradition in our community.

The pride of this community in its music program was made evident in the community support for the construction of the new Windham Performing Arts Center. Windham voted in a referendum to spend the money to create one of the best performance spaces in the state, with the stage capacity for our large and talented orchestra and band, and to highlight our amazing musical productions.

Why are we now trying to dismantle the very programs of which we were so proud?

Currently, the investment we make in our children through the school budget in Windham is small in comparison to many other communities in Maine. In FY 2006, Windham spent less than the state average per pupil, and ranked at number 143 out of the 222 districts reporting. Across the state, 142 districts spent more per pupil than we did in 2006!

Shouldn’t we as a community be investing in our future, and the future of our children? We have in the past and we need to now, even though the economic times are tough. We ask that the community of Windham demonstrate their value of music education by showing support for classroom based music education of band, orchestra, and chorus in all of our schools.

Malory Shaughnessy and Kate Loukas

Co-Chairs of the Windham Performing Arts Alliance