EDWARDSBURG — A hundred people clad in white, many instrumental music students inspired by his teaching and band parents, packed a special school board meeting Tuesday evening. Their aim was to spare Spencer White, co-director of the program,  from the budget ax.

White for White
About the only person not dressed in white for White, from T-shirts to trombonist Cayla Haney’s wristband and the cloak draping Haley First’s shoulders, was sophomore trumpeter Noah Neuerburg, dressed head to toe in black because he came straight from the jazz band festival Dowagiac hosted.
“Marching band is a sport,” said the freshman who credits White for giving her the courage to switch from flute with no reed to the difficult oboe with two.  She is now “first and last chair,” a section unto herself, and she says she is confident for the three solos she will perform in a concert Tuesday.
“There is always a choice, so I hope the board is listening with open minds and open hearts,” said Carla Kierman, a parent. “The arts and physical education require one credit for graduation in Michigan high schools. They’re equal.”

Musical benefits
Kierman cited statistics on the benefits of music education.
“The kids and parents know our band directors are invested in our schools, and I believe this board knows it. Cutting Mr. White’s position creates the illusion of saving money,” Kierman said, explaining, that in the long term, many students may lose interest and drop band, making recruiting in the fifth grade more difficult.
“It’s fabulous that this room is filled with young, amazing musicians,” Andrea Doll, another parent, said.
“I’d hate to see the number shrink, but this is absolutely what will happen if we reduce our band staffing by 50 percent. This district is known throughout the state for its exceptional band. If we’re looking to attract students, it would be a shame to eliminate one of its big attractions.”
Grants, a patron program and charging a $3 fee at the Performing Arts Center have been explored as ways to help fund the band program as the administration is looking at a $3 million deficit.
President Birdella Holdread allotted 30 minutes for input, three minutes each, but let the outpouring flow since students presented themselves so earnestly and politely, leading off with Noah McGivern, the freshman band member who last year won the” America and Me” essay contest for Michigan — writing about his “hero” — White.
“This essay was not only posted in many papers,” he said, “but was also read to all of the Edwardsburg school teachers and faculty.
“This was used to not only inspire other students, but the teachers who teach them … the band department has grown to the largest it has ever been at the high school level,” said McGivern, noting the band placed among the 10 best in a state competition in Detroit a earning straight I’s at a festival.
“Mr. White is not only my hero, but a hero to hundreds of students, families and this community,” he said.
A 13-year-old girl said White has inspired her “to want to be a band director like him.”
“He has made a huge impact on my life in two years,” said a sixth-grader. “I thought I’d give band a try, but now I never want to quit.”
Daniel Brown brought his family here in 2008 from the New York metropolitan area because of Edwardsburg’s “reputation for academics and fine arts.”
Referring to Supt. Sherman Ostrander’s mention of the smallest kindergarten roundup in his 18-year tenure, he said, “If that trend continues, we’re looking at a student population of two-thirds 12 years from now, so I hope strategic planning is on the board’s mind.”
Another dad, who moved his family here six years ago from southeastern Michigan, “selected this school district in part because of your excellent leadership and tradition of excellence. We heard from the athletic director. Who is advocating for performing arts and these kids in fine arts and music programs? Take all available time to wait for revenue numbers to come in.”
The board meets again Monday.