Easton School Board Treatens to Shut Down EAMS Music- A Reaction

For my first post I decided I'd make it something powerful. In light of yet another treat to destroy lower level music classes I wish to share what a difference music has made for me. 
I am currently a sophmore at Easton Area High School, and in someways without the experience of being in band, I wouldn't stand here today. My freshman year started out as a mess; I was new to the school district, I missed my friends, and I was horribly alone. I desparatly tried to make friends, but for a long time no one seemed to "like" me. That first semester was like a bad movie. I felt jugged, I had no where to sit at lunch, and I even had food thrown at me. There was nights I thought of ending it all. 
Eventually I raked up the guts to ask to sit with some girls that we're in my class at lunch. They said yes and we talked and it was nice, but at the time I still felt like an outsider. I soon learned they were in band, and I listened to their stories as I munched on my sandwich. They told of inside jokes and of fun football games and best of all, playing their instrument. 
Fast forward a few weeks and I was in creative writing class with these girls. On this particular spring afternoon they were all riled up because Mrs, Lutte, the band director, was willing to let one of them join band. I had aways wanted to play an instrument but due to funds and my own general laziness I never got to learn to play. Upon further inquisistion I lean red that learning to play would be free and that I wouldn't have to pay for an instrument. I was elated. The next day one of the girls took me to see Mrs. Lutte. From that spring forth I've learned and now play the tenor sax. My busted, old Conn horn (who I named George) became my new hobby. I practiced for hours on my porch, despite my neighbor's screams to "shut up." Every Thursday until the end of the school year I had lessons with Mrs. Lutte, and after each one I felt better than ever. Over the summer I practiced even more and met my section. When August finally rolled around band camp begun. I loved every second of it. I made friends and was proud of not only myself, but my school. The music program gave me the gifts of companionship and belonging. Thanks to Mrs. Lutte and amazing upperclassmen musicians I was able to trade my tears of the night for music notes in the afternoon. 
Programs like the ones at EAHS and EAMS saved me, I'd be dammed it we didn't keep them to help save others.