Impassioned testimony saves high school’s acclaimed show choir program

Members of Waltham High School’s prestigious Music Unlimited program came out in droves to the School Committee’s March 4 meeting, where they advocated against a new proposed program of studies which would alter the description of the advanced class. 

After a lengthy public input section, the committee voted to send the proposed changes back to Assistant Superintendent Shannon Conley for additional review, with the specific amendment that the description of Music Unlimited remain unchanged. 

The program of studies, which includes numerous course removals, additions and name changes, was developed at the school level by department heads and principal-in-residence John Barnes. Conley reviewed and presented the program of studies, with the goal of alignment with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s standards.

The most contentious proposed change was the altered description of Music Unlimited, which would make after-school practices optional. Accompanying the change would be the addition of Music Odyssey, an introductory show choir course with no outside time commitment. 

Conley emphasized that the motivation for the change was equitable access to all components of the course. “The proposed change separated the credit-bearing honors course from an optional competitive after-school curricular component to address multiple issues. These issues include equity and access, as using mandatory rehearsals for credit excludes students without transportation.” She also mentioned that students involved in other extracurricular events or with family obligations are unable to participate in the required after-school rehearsals. 

“The revision also aims for clarity and compliance, ensuring that this course description aligns with DESE student learning time frameworks. [It does this by] clearly distinguishing the instructional component from the extra curricular participation,” she stated. 

More than a club

During much of the 90-minute public input section, Music Unlimited students and alumni defended the integrity of the course. Students argued that the competitive and immersive nature of the course was essential to their success, and that making after-school rehearsals optional would strip MU of its legacy and ability to affect students’ lives. 

Students who testified were Anabel Rutledge, Lilian Ebert, Owen White, Charlotte McCrary, Anya Hersh, Derek Dowcett, Ashley Dowcett, Anthony Pullano, Alice Svinolobova, Jacob Katz, Gabrielle Fox, Sierra Nicholas, Sierra Longstaff, Morgan Brennan, Raffi Sarkissian, Sofia Laviano and Ariana Raad.

“I can confidently say that without being in Music Unlimited, with its specific structure and the current way the program is run, I would not have been able to find the academic or social success that I have,” said Charlotte McCrary, a senior and student leader within MU. “If we are preaching to create well-rounded students, this is a detrimental change to our school that will block individuals from growing as people and achieving their goal.”

Another student, Owen White, took issue with the new program of studies labeling MU as a club, rather than a credited course with an extracurricular component. “Calling it a competitive club is throwing away everything that our directors have done for the program. They have built it from nothing. We have won more awards and recognition than the majority of the sports teams in Waltham High School,” the student said. “No sports team has ever had to worry about their sport going away, so why should any of us have to?”

One alum of the program spoke about a recent reunion of Music Unlimited members, arguing that MU allowed them to mature and develop substantially as people. “People don’t return three decades later for something trivial; they return for something that shaped them as people,” he said. 

Councilors and students both said the Music Odyssey and Music Express courses, which do not require after-school sessions, addressed the equity issue by providing a beginner and intermediate level of both instruction and involvement. 

Committee member Elizabeth AlJammal expressed concerns about making changes to the Music Unlimited course. 

“I worry that in trying to be more equitable, we’re actually taking away their opportunities,” she said.  

She went on, “I’m not exactly sure what equity issues you’re trying to fix, especially since this new Music Odyssey course [is being proposed].” 

Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy echoed her sentiment: “If it’s not broke, I don’t think we should have to fix it.” 

The School Committee also made several amendments to the proposed program of studies apart from the stipulation about keeping MU’s description, such as keeping civics and screenwriting classes as offerings — both of which were on the chopping block. However, in accordance with DESE’s guidelines for Massachusetts school governance, these are only informal suggestions. Next, the administration will review the committee’s feedback, and present it once more for the approval of the superintendent. 

As the committee voted to amend the program of studies so as not to alter MU’s description, show choir students in the audience could be seen celebrating with hugs and fist-bumps. WHS freshman Gabby Fox, who spoke before the committee, shared with The Waltham Times after the meeting, “I spoke out about this new schedule change because I really value my dedication and work to this show choir and the people who work just as hard as me. It’s more than just a club — it’s community, determination and a place where students find a sense of belonging.”