Following the elimination of the secondary band and music program in the Coupeville School District, a concerned parent with a love for music has been leading an effort to bring students back to jamming.

Emily Zenz remembers the disappointment on children’s faces when, last spring, the school board approved a series of budget cuts that included the temporary elimination of her son Christopher’s favorite class. A few teary-eyed parents attended the meeting to plead the board to reconsider, but band had to go.

While heartbroken, Zenz understood that the district had to make some sacrifices amid a difficult financial situation and the risk of losing control over its financial decisions to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Furthermore, as former Superintendent Steve King explained last year, the program was not popular enough to justify its cost — about $160,000. Following the pandemic, the number of middle schoolers attending band plummeted from approximately 60 to a little over 20, while in the high school attendance dropped from 20 to six students.

Since then, Zenz has been trying to bring together parents, music-savvy community members and other local resources to create new opportunities for children in Coupeville until the district can afford a band program. District officials are uncertain when the program will come back.

The Coupeville Music Boosters, a group started by Zenz, meet every month to brainstorm ideas that would supplement students’ music education. While it’s a small group with few consistent participants, she remains hopeful that the slow progress will eventually be rewarded.

Some ideas include partnering with local bands or educators who can teach and direct a student band and keeping kids inspired by organizing trips to shows in the region, Zenz said.

“We have artists, we have musicians, we have retired educators,” she said. “All these people … have piles of knowledge and they want to share it, but don’t necessarily know how.”

To support these efforts, the group is trying to become a 501(c)(3) organization in order to qualify for grants. The group has also considered hosting a show or a dinner gala to raise funds.

All community members are welcome to join and share ideas and knowledge, Zenz said. She would also appreciate a hand with managing the group and running the Facebook page, planning meetings, writing bylaws or simply spreading the word.

According to various studies, music has a positive impact on children’s development, leading to greater emotional intelligence, academic performance and social skills. Zenz also believes band classes give kids an outlet to express their emotions.

Zenz’s mother, Sharon Seymour, has taught music for over 40 years and directed a middle school band. In her experience, being part of a musical group is like being a member of a family, which can fulfill needs that may not be met at home or in other classes.

She reported that many of her former students said her band class has given them a sense of confidence and belonging, improving their critical thinking skills and ability to cooperate.

Hoping to see her son play the trombone with his peers again, Zenz invites community members to the Coupeville Music Boosters’ next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Coupeville Library. Those who cannot attend in person may connect via Zoom.

For more information, join the “Coupeville Music Boosters Community Page” on Facebook or email Emily Zenz at save.coupeville.music@gmail.com.