For instance, instead of holding daily classes, they could meet every other day. The extreme would be teaching the lessons outside the school day, which poses a transportation problem that could restrict some students from participating. Hughes said one school in the district, Cottonwood Elementary, has a different schedule than the 13 other elementary schools. Cottonwood students who take orchestra or band can't take the basic music classes taught to all students. That involves not only academic work, but the performing arts as well.
Many educators agree that that balance is critical.
William McCleary, North Kitsap School District's assistant superintendent for education services, said his district has not considered eliminating similar music programs. There is a strong correlation between high academic achievement with students involved with the arts. The Bremerton School District does not offer band or orchestra in the elementary schools. However, elementary schools in the Bremerton district only go up to fifth grade instead of sixth. Sixth-graders at the district's middle school can take the courses.