Fears the Howe Sound Secondary School music program will be cut can be put to rest, according to Howe Sound Secondary principal Rose MacKenzie.
Over the past few weeks, rumours the program was going to be axed starting this September led to two Facebook campaigns railing against the cuts.
When contacted, MacKenzie said she had no idea the rumour was circulating.
"I had one parent call and ask about the program but I cleared it up right away and didn't think much of it after that," she said.
"The music program is not being cut. We've changed the configuration of the music classes so what's going to happen is the Grade 10s will be joining the senior Grade 11 and 12 class and then we're going to have a Grade 9 class."
She said the rumour may have been generated from discussions over what to do with program after issues arose over timetabling and low numbers in this year's Grade 9 class.
"I think what happened is that while you're going through a timetable, you say things and somehow someone misinterpreted something that was said and rumour just ran amuck."
And run amuck it did. It took very little time for over hundreds of supporters to join two separate Facebook pages created to "Save the Howe sound Music Program."
A Facebook group dedicated to the cause had 102 members by Wednesday (June 23) was created by Andy Gruber, a keen musician who has played in the both the jazz band and the concert band for five years.
"Why is music important to you?" said Gruber. "Music is a way of expressing oneself with or without words, portraying emotions through sounds. I use music to express myself - some music calms me, other music makes me want o get up and fight an epic battle. Most cultures would be non-existent if it weren't for music."
Several other students voiced their opposition to cuts as well.
"Music is important to everyone, everyone needs to know how to play an instrument and everyone loves music and needs it in their life," said Chrissy Marie Patry.
"I mean, what would life be without music?"
Another Facebook page called Save the Howe Sound Music Program had 145 members by Wednesday (June 23) and expresses concern Don Ross Secondary students won't be able to continue their musical education when they reach HSSS.
The page includes photos of students at band practice to illustrate an opponent's point.
"These are just some of the students I have been helping teach at Don Ross secondary who have advanced in their music program, and will now be denied the progression in music education."
Secondary group administrator Larissa Mary Carson McLeod posted numerous photos of different band students and was the first to post news that either the rumour wasn't true or things had changed.
"Apparently the Grade 10s will now be scheduled to be with the seniors next year. The Grade 9 beginners will be on their own," said McLeod.
Mackenzie said Howe Sound Secondary will offer all the music programs it has in previous years - concert band, concert choir and jazz band.
She was however, less than impressed by the Facebook groups and the fact she wasn't even contacted to confirm the rumours.
"What's being said on Facebook is not correct. If you're going to use it, at least alert administrators or the targeted organization that it is being used because I had no idea."
Gruber's response to the news posted by McLeod was extremely positive.
"Woot! Grade 10s will learn more if they're with the seniors and the Grade 9s will be able to get more one on one time with teachers, this is most excellent."
