Recent draft for reduction in school finances could cause changes in performing arts, other areas

By Beverly Jenkins
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For the past 14 years, the Marching Greyhounds have been finalists at the Bands of America Grand Nationals competition. Their streak is the second longest in the nation. The accomplishment is one much deserved, according to Austin Miller, Marching Greyhound and junior, as it involves a large amount of time and effort.

Miller said he estimates marching band members devote approximately 15 hours per week to the band during the fall season and half of that time during the off-season. “During competition season, most of (the Marching Greyhounds) are at school by 6:45 a.m. and stay until 6 p.m. for rehearsals,” he said. The time spent rehearsing as a group, according to Miller, has a major, positive effect on the band’s overall performance.

The marching band isn’t the only award-winning program in the department. Last May, the symphony orchestra members were recognized as the 2009 National Orchestra Cup Grand Champions, and the Winter Guard finished fourth in the world at the Scholastic World Class. The list goes on.

But for Miller and approximately 40 percent of the student body that participates in the performing arts department each year, all of this may change in 2010. A recently drafted proposal, written by Superintendent Barbara Underwood, aims to cut $3 million from the Carmel Clay Schools’ budget. Up to $30,000 of the proposed cuts would be taken from the performing arts department, including early bird and summer rehearsals.

According to Richard Saucedo, performing arts department chairperson and Director of Bands, however the situation turns out, the school system will face challenges. “We’re just in a really tough situation,” he said. “Dr. Underwood has always been a great supporter of the performing arts, but she is in a very tough position. If we have to cut some things at Carmel Clay Schools, she aims to do that as fairly as she can.

Due to Underwood’s imminent retirement at the end of 2009, the school board has delayed a decision until January, but many are already anticipating possibilities if the board votes yes on the proposal.

If the cuts are approved, Miller said he estimates that instead of 15, “maybe only six hours” would be spent on marching band each week, and some of the competitions and performances normally attended would be reduced.

However, Saucedo said the drawbacks aren’t as dramatic as students like Miller may think. He said the only major drawback of the cuts would be the elimination of summer marching band. Since the marching band’s competition season is during the fall, the group does most of its preparation during the summer.

The orchestra, theater and choir departments would also feel the effect if the cuts are approved. Ambassador and senior Chelsea Alexander said her involvement in the performing arts department has been beneficial even though she’s looking beyond the high school now.

“You learn so much doing things you love within these choirs,” she said. Alexander said she has been using her training from the choirs here and is applying it to auditions for universities.

While Alexander said her time spent in the performing arts department has been a memorable one, she said she’s also glad she won’t be around to see any changes if the cuts are passed.

“Doing what you love all the time, it’s so much fun. Supposedly, if things go the way (the proposal) wants, there will be no chance for rehearsals or competitions,” Alexander said. “I’d hate to see it change.”

However, the rumors surrounding the possible cuts can be misleading, according to Saucedo. “(The cuts) just mean that there would be a little bit less that we can offer these kids,” he said. “Basically, it would mean a lot less rehearsal time. Obviously less time means there would be a lot of pressure to get more done in a smaller amount of time.”

Miller said whatever happens, the department will adjust and be even more active in fund raising if need be. “(The marching band) has dramatically impacted me in a very positive way,” he said, “and regardless of the cuts, band kids will not let (this program) go under.”