Keep all choirs to benefit students

To the editor:

Sunday was the spring choir concert for Jay County High School.

But besides being the last concert of the school year, this was the last concert period for the Danza Cantate choir. The school has decided to focus their attention on the two competition choirs.

Don't get me wrong, I think the competition choirs do a fantastic job. But what about the other 43 girls in the Danza Cantate group?

Because of choice or circumstance these girls signed up to participate in the non-competitive group and are now being told that that is no longer an option. What about the incoming seniors that have been in choir their entire school career, and will not receive the acknowledgement of that fact because they did not choose to be in the competition choir.

I am the mother of one of those incoming seniors that because of other commitments was not able to join one of the other choirs. These girls have worked just as hard, and should receive the same opportunities as the other groups.

The school says that because of staffing changes there will not be a teacher available, but that they will have one to assist Susan Denney with the competitive choirs.

Here's food for thought, Danza Cantate has their class the same period as Patriot Edition does. Why can't the teacher that is willing to come in and assist Mrs. Denney work with Danza as well?

They say it's because that teacher will arrive a few minutes late. Susan Denney could watch the class until that teacher arrives. This would allow those 43 girls the option of being in choir like they originally planned.

Why should they be punished for something they have no control over?

Jennifer Bailey

Portland