The Atlanta school district has announced that it will eliminate 18 of its 58 elementary school music teacher positions next year, continuing a national downward trend in arts education.

The district will cut 10 band teachers and eight orchestra teachers, leaving some schools and students without band or orchestra programs, although it is still unclear which schools will lose staff.

Parents have already spoken out against the cuts.

“If I had a magic wand, my wish would be that all kids get the same exposure to fine arts,” said parent Dawn Brockington-Shaw.

According to music teacher Arthur McClenton, those being let go were “blindsided.”

“When other teachers received contracts, we received letters saying we were going to be abolished,” McClenton said. “We didn’t know. It just hit us.”

The blow is especially harsh since Atlanta, which has 52 elementary schools, is among the last of Georgia’s 180 school districts with orchestra and band instruction for elementary school students.

The school district said all students will still receive weekly general music instruction, which includes chorus, music appreciation, introduction to instruments and other topics.

Daily Kos, June 3

Atlanta Business Chronicle, June 2

Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 29