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<p>I was never a part of any band or arts program during my childhood. However, I can give a firsthand account of what it&#8217;s like to be a parent of two children who were involved in these programs for several years.</p><p>Unless someone has experienced this, you can never fully understand the impact it makes on a young person&#8217;s life.</p><p>Being a part of the band or a musical program brings about a sense of belonging. It brings about strong relationships and bonds that sometimes can seem stronger than ones experienced in families.</p><p>Our young people today experience so much bullying and are exposed to many bad influences that we adults might never have had growing up. But for those who are a part of programs like band and the arts, they know that they have peers who truly care and are there for one another during those difficult times. Relationships form not only among those of your own age, but friendships develop from the seventh-graders all the way up to the seniors. They have each other&#8217;s back, like real brothers and sisters, and it makes going through the early years of education more easy to bear.</p><p>We are all born with our own talents, skills and abilities. Why is it that the school board feels that it has the right to decide which ones are of more importance than others? Are we all athletes? Are we all musicians, actors or skilled artisans? No. We are all unique and should follow the paths that lead us to become successful with the gifts with which we have been blessed.</p><p>God forbid that this school board should stand before the taxpayers and say that sports programs are being cut and will no longer be offered. I cannot imagine the outcry and backlash for such a decision. I&#8217;m not saying this to devalue athletics in school. I&#8217;m just emphasizing that <em>each</em> department should be treated the same. <em>All</em> students should have <em>every</em> opportunity given to them to excel and to become well-rounded individuals.</p><p>We live in a world today that more and more emphasizes equality, rights and freedoms. Where are the rights and freedoms of our band and art students now? It seems that all of these are being trampled by the school board because of, once again, the almighty dollar.</p><p>What kind of message is the board sending to our youth when it says that their desire to become musicians or artists means nothing? </p><p>My children are now graduated and are following their own paths. They aren&#8217;t professional musicians, per se, but they still have a love and appreciation for music, and they still take interest in playing instruments. They have fond memories of many hours spent with their band &#8220;family&#8221; and won&#8217;t forget the impact it made upon their high school years.</p><p>Who knows what might have happened to them if they didn&#8217;t have this outlet? What might they have turned to instead to occupy their time? I&#8217;m thankful that they were able to experience what they have with these programs.</p><p>Let&#8217;s not take this opportunity away from those students who come after them.</p><p><strong>Linda Wolovich</strong></p><p>Wilkes-Barre</p><style>
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Letter to the Editor: Don’t deprive Wilkes-Barre Area students of immersion in music and arts