The city of Temecula is a huge supporter of the arts. We have two museums for a population of roughly 97,000 people showcasing art, science, and historical facts relating to our city. We also host the Balloon and Wine Festival that brings in many artists, musicians and of course booze, but that is beside the point.
So with off all of this exposure to venues and events that support artistry and music of all kinds one would think that the schools would be spending a lot of money on the visual and performing arts department. the answer to this is sadly no, a majority of the funding goes to sports. Don't get me wrong, I love sports. I played soccer for five years but was forced to quit because of a knee injury (and no I am not bitter). I just feel that if a city is going to support the arts. the should make sure that the schools are supporting the arts as well or at least at the same level. For example, this past year Chaparral's band director left for personal reasons, so the position was flown abd ut was six months before someone seriously put in their resume. During those six months the district took this as an excuse to try to cut the band program all together, they threatened, many times. Since they had already cut the elementary band program, I feel that they had no remorse in trying to take the high school and middle school band programs, since the positions didn't have enough"interest".
Due to elementary band cuts the three high school marching bands have much smaller bands in comparison to our city's population and to the amount of students in the Temecula public schools. Even field use has more competition, football is given priority over times, days, and length of use on the field, for marching band this means that they are relegated to the asphalt parking lot. Many can attest to this statement because of the close proximity to Winchester Rd. Being on a parking lot has caused a few injuries and equipment damage, the injuries thankfully were not inflicted by cars but by the speed bumps put in place, people have twisted ankles and knees from marching backwards and sideways over them. The equipment damage was inflicted by a car zooming through the back of our "practice field" and hit our long ranger, which is worth upwards of 1,000 dollars for a good one. This kind of damage is one of the many things that high school band programs face but in towns where the arts aren't appreciated, now why in a town as artistically involved does this thing occur? School board members like to blame inadequate funding or the state laws, but how can that solve anything. Pointing fingers is childish, get together, work around the laws and let the band play on with sufficient funds, as was intended from the beginning with the programs offered in the Temecula High Schools.
Temecula, despite teens and young adults complaints, is a well-rounded city dabbing in the arts and recreational sports, so what can't the school district stop favoring sports and pay a little attention to the arts that as far as I've seen have been shoved into a dark closet.
*edit-sorry for all the typing errors I am getting used to new glasses and a new keyboard not a good combo!
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
