At Stamford High School, the new schedule change has sparked controversy and conflict among students. The district recently replaced the A/B block system with a semester-based schedule. This means students can take four classes per semester, and can complete a full-year class within just one semester. 

This schedule change has caused discord because not enough students were able to fit into the classes they wanted. While some praised the new change for helping students focus on fewer classes at a time, others say it has come with a cost, especially for the arts. Due to the scheduling conflicts, only three students were placed into the orchestra class. As a result, a decision was made by the administration to remove the orchestra at Stamford High School completely. Those three students joined the choir in response, as that class also had a minimal enrollment due to the same issue. It’s heartbreaking for the art community to lose the orchestra due to a comprehensive schedule change. The orchestra should not have been taken away from students simply because the school couldn’t work around it.

The absence of an orchestra deprives students of a central creative outlet, much like losing a sports team would impact student-athletes. Without an orchestra, Stamford High School’s arts program will struggle to support students’ passion and expression through music.

My recent experience at a Hans Zimmer orchestra concert reinforced the orchestra’s importance. The 3-hour-long program was a vivid reminder that opportunities to participate in such groups shape students’ appreciation of and commitment to music. Without an orchestra at Stamford High, students lose the chance to pursue or discover their passion for this art form. 

As Stamford High School adjusts to its new schedule, I urge administrators, students, and families to advocate for the return of the orchestra. By working together, we can restore a vital part of our school’s creative spirit and ensure future students have the chance to discover their passion for music.