Drastic budget cuts have scarred public school systems throughout the United States, and these cuts have caused dramatic changes to school curricula. One of the most significant changes has been the loss of music classes, which for most students is an integral part in furthering their horizons and also their educations.

Elementary schools have felt the wrath of the budget cuts the most, but many high schools have also felt the same sting of letting music classes slip away. They have felt the heaviest impact because music is no longer a mandatory course, it becomes an elective, and when districts are looking to cut down, expenses electives are the first to go.

A 2011 Campaign for America’s Future report titled “Starving America’s Public Schools” focused on five states whose public education systems are dwindling.  One of the highlighted states was Pennsylvania. According to the report, 40 percent of schools in the state reduced their curriculum offerings, specifically in Allentown where it was reported that the district cut most of its electives in order to fund other school expenses.  Allentown faces similar cuts again this year.

Schools look to cut electives first, which is unfortunate because they tend to be the classes that students willingly choose to take, and enjoy the most. Thus, with the elimination of electives, students lose some of the freedoms that elective classes grant.

According to a March article in the Morning Call, Allentown School District is contemplating laying off employees in order to patch up a gap in the budget deficit. Most of the employees in jeopardy of losing their jobs would be in the arts programs.

This is the harsh reality that exists today within the education system, but is really starting to take a toll on students.

Another problem with axing music classes entirely is that music is so easily related to everyday studies. There are lots of connections between the music of different time periods and how it reflects what was happening in society. Music in many ways is woven into our lives, and we don’t even realize it.

Music can also lead to many opportunities down the road. It is rooted in physics and mathematics, and there are also huge connections to foreign language, history, sociology, physical education and art. That means it can be an asset in different careers that are not directly linked to the music industry as a whole.

Mr. Doug Bolasky, a Southern Lehigh music teacher for 24 years, has seen the helpful impacts that music class can bring to his students.

“In reality, a strong music background can be combined with many other disciplines leading to interesting and high-paying careers,” he said. “In order to design and build new instruments, one needs to be a musician and an engineer. To design and construct concert halls, one needs to be a musician and an architect.”

Music class is considered to be a big part of a well-rounded education and losing it may be detrimental. Thankfully, Southern Lehigh’s musical community is strong and can be witnessed throughout the district. From the presence of the band at football games, to the musicals, to the Meistersingers, and jazz bands, Southern Lehigh is very fortunate to have such a strong program.

“While we may not always have the financial resources we’d like, we have avoided the drastic cuts that have taken place in some of our surrounding districts,” Bolasky said. “Southern Lehigh should be proud of that.”