SOUTH HADLEY — Community-led efforts to save sports, music and arts programs in the South Hadley public schools have emerged in the wake of failed override requests on April 14.
Last weekend the South Hadley Music Parents Association announced its goal to raise $183,000 to preserve the music and arts programs at Michael E. Smith Middle School and South Hadley High School.
“These are our future community members,” SHMPA member Mike Beauchemin said. “They are going to have different interests and strengths. When you’re in school, you want to explore all of those things and find out what they are really good at.
He continued, “A good community should offer as much as they can, so we have an interesting place to live, so we have diverse knowledge and talents.”
South Hadley has a $2 million deficit in next year’s budget, and $1.2 million of those funds are for a level-service school budget. Voters turned down $9 million and $11 million Proposition 2½ overrides earlier this month, which would have filled this gap for four or five years. Without the funds, all extracurriculars, music and sports will be cut at South Hadley Public Schools.
Faced with losing youth arts all together, SHMPA members decided to step up. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2008 to financially supplement and physically support the school district’s music and arts programs.
“In the past five to seven years, as costs have gone up, SHMPA has funded more and more gaps in the music and arts budget,” Beauchemin said.
To date, the group is planning a car wash, penny drive, benefit concert, and pickleball tournament, and more. Details are available at https://www.southhadleymusic.org.
Half of the funding raised will cover the salary and benefits of the middle school and high school music director to run six programs: the TigerPride Marching Band, concert band, jazz band, chorus, a cappella group VocalRoar, and drama troupe Harlequins.
The rest of the money will pay for supplies and stipends for assistants. South Hadley often recruits UMass Marching Band members to coach the students, choreographers and vocal coaches for the musical, and other music experts to give the school a fully-staffed arts program.
“Last fiscal year we tripled that among of money we raised, and that was before this, so we are looking to pull of another huge multiple of what we raised,” Beauchemin said.
Who will step in if the fundraising efforts are successful remains unclear. Beauchemin said Matt Garrity, the district’s music director, has already been handed a pink slip.
South Hadley was once known for its marching band of over 200 students. The TigerPride Marching Hundred led by Rodger Farnsworth rose to national fame, performing at Richard Nixon’s inauguration, the Parade of Champions in Philadelphia and the Tournament of Roses, also known as The Rose Bowl.
Today’s TigerPride Marching Band is far smaller than it was in its heyday, but Beauchemin and the rest of SHMPA refuse to let the program die out completely.
“When they stopped doing middle school band, it had a drastic effect,” he added. “Typically, you lose 50% of your music students from middle school to high school. We have to keep the pipeline going.”
For those who are unable to donate monetary funds, Beauchemin encourages people to email the nonprofit at shmpa@southhadleymusic.org. SHMPA is always looking for more helping hands, not just a fist full of dollars.
Friends of South Hadley Athletics
Meanwhile, the Friends of South Hadley Athletics, a group of parents, alumni, and community members, has organized in response to anticipated funding challenges.
The group’s goal is to bring the community together to help ensure that students continue to have access to athletic programs and the many benefits they provide.
“Athletics play an important role in the development of students, helping to build teamwork, discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of community,” the group said in announcing a fundraising campaign. “For many students, participation in sports is a meaningful part of their overall school experience.”
The Friends continue to connect with families, local businesses and community members in an effort to build broader support. Those interested in supporting the effort can donate at https://givebutter.com/support-south-hadley-athletics-fy27-xfpkm1, or to stay informed at get involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722830258714928.
