Students, parents rally against elimination of Grade 7 band program in Surrey – BC [Video]

Parents and students turned out in numbers on Wednesday to protest the elimination of the Surrey School District’s Grade 7 band program.

The district is facing a $16 million budget shortfall next year, with the elementary school band program slated to be one of the casualties as it looks to balance the books.

“It makes me feel really sad that they are shutting it down,” Grade 7 band participant Keira told Global News. “(My little brothers) won’t be able to experience the joy that me and my older brother felt.”

Music is an essential part of B.C.’s school curriculum, but band programs are not.

Current and former band students rallied with their instruments in front of the district office where trustees approved the proposed budget during their board meeting.

“This is so upsetting,” parent Angie Haertl said.