"This was the beginning of the downfall of my program," said an MENC member who wished to remain anonymous. "I warned the administration that this would be disastrous to the overall band program, but of course, there was no concern whatsoever."

It could happen to you. A well-intentioned administration decides to substitute an after-school or before-school music program for music during the day. They may make moves in that direction from cutting back staff, all the way up to moving the program to outside normal school hours.

Regardless of the intent, a move away from music during school hours diminishes a core subject. Restrictions are allowed to come into play that affect the accessibility and availability of music classes to children. After school jobs, sports, transportation and family responsibilities become factors.

Mentally prepare yourself in the next installment.
 

Related Resource—MENC position statement "After-School Music Education Programs"

Tips collected from the MENC Forums. Discuss this article on the Band Forum.

Coming in two weeks: The After School Dilemma, Part 2

— Paul Fergus, March 17, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)