Save Our Music: MDSS Students Fight Budget Cuts

0:00Students at Mount Douglas Secondary in Greater Victoria are racing to raise $250,000 to save middle school music programs from a proposed budget cut. Their campaign, called Save Our Music, needs the cash by Wednesday when the school district votes on the 2026 27 budget. Jazz bands, choirs, and musical theater could all take a hit if the money gets lashed. Here by how the community saved Hermann's Jazz Club with over $450,000 in days, these great 10 kids, Jeff Jung, on sax. Muritsa Shikare on clarinet, in Zakiria Koo on Trombone, decided to step up. They spoke at a budget meeting last week, heard how tight things are, and figured they could rally support for live music in schools. For these students, music builds lifelong friendships, boosts confidence, and even sparks career dreams. John says almost all his close bonds come from band, while Kiria Koo remembers his first gig at Hermann's as a game changer.

1:01Even partial funds, like $50,000, could add back a music block next year. A petition from advocacy for music in schools, fights the cuts, which also target career programs in counseling, and there was a demo last week. Teachers like Carolyn Howe are donating and cheering them on, calling it inspiring. Back in 2022, community gifts and foundations saved strings programs from a 20% trim. The district faces $1.6 million in required cuts, a mid to $5.2 million ongoing deficit from dropping enrollment and rising costs. You can ship in at their chuffed page, or sign the petition students, say every bit keeps the beat alive for the next generation. Stay informed with Vancouver News today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.