Budget cuts may halt music

A FINAL TUNE?
West Cottonwood plays what might possibly be its last band concert as the school district considers cutting its music program to save money.

As the music from its final number ends in a great crescendo, the possibility of music returning to the West Cottonwood Junior High campus next year fades away.

Chances are the noteworthy band program at the school will end with the current academic year, said Alice Bailey, music director.

"Going to every board meeting and not knowing if the program will be cut or not is one of the hardest things I've done," Bailey said.

The reason? Budget cuts, she said.

"Losing the band would be a huge loss to the school," Bailey said. "It has provided such a wonderful avenue for the students to enrich their lives and express themselves."

With each passing day, Bailey is more resigned to the adage that all good things must finally come to an end. However, the speed at which it is happening is most surprising of all.

For more than 38 years, the West Cottonwood Band has been a force to be reckoned with, both at home and abroad.

The school has taken numerous awards. Its marching band alone has distinguished the school's music program among its peers, she said.

However, no amount of awards or recognition can save the school's band and choir from a sinking economy, she acknowledges.

"With the knowledge of the grave circumstances of the band, the students really worked hard to make this last performance very special," Bailey said of the final concert last week.