Recently a decision by the Aiken County Public Schools to eliminate chorus programs at multiple middle schools was brought to our attention. Allocations for choir teachers in programs at three middle schools were slated to be eliminated in the 2026–2027 school year effectively eliminating these programs. This was said to be due to declining enrollment and staffing allocations.
While we understand that districts must make difficult decisions regarding allocations, we must also recognize that access to music education is an inherent right of all students in our state. Among other benefits, students who participate in these programs are more likely to attend school on a regular basis, share in a space of belonging and shared purpose, learn interdependence and teamworking skills, understand the value of effort over time, and learn adaptability through the rehearsal process. Studies show that students who participate in music programs test higher on standardized tests, show more interest in school and are more involved in their school communities.
For many students, school-based choir programs are their only opportunity to engage in music as many cannot afford expensive voice lessons, or don’t have access to choral opportunities in the community because they don’t exist. Singing together in a choir is a unique experience where a collective breath is taken and then expelled in sound that cannot be created by one person alone. This cannot be replicated through online experiences, or without space and time dedicated to creating this artform. Creating music is one of the few things that you can do throughout your life and many of these lifelong, foundational skills are built in the middle school choral classrooms.
Furthermore, choral music offers a deeper cultural understanding as it highlights music from cultures and peoples from around the world over an almost 1500 year timeline. They provide a space where every student belongs, regardless of background or prior experience. When these opportunities are taken away from the middle schools they create long term and lasting effects at the high school, collegiate, and adult community levels as well. Eliminating these programs limits scholarship opportunities to further their studies, and has long term effects on our artform as a whole. It is akin to removing the roots from a tree killing it from the ground up.
While the Choral Division feels strongly about access to choral music, students should be afforded the same opportunities to explore their skills on an instrument as well. I personally participated in band and chorus in school, as did many of my colleagues across the state. My personal experiences in band and choir had a lifelong impact on who I am today. The elimination of music programs seems like a simple solution, but it is one that has lasting consequences in the community for years to come. The elimination of choral programs opens the door to the elimination of other programs in the future.
We are encouraged that since the time of the initial decision, due in part to our advocacy, two of these schools will receive a teacher who will be split between them. While this is not ideal, it is a better alternative to eliminating the programs altogether. We hope that all of these schools will regain full teacher allocations to provide great instruction to our students.
In the words of our South Carolina Music Educators Association President Tom Finegan, “Music education is not an add-on; it is essential. Our students deserve access to the full breadth of educational experiences that help them grow not only as learners, but as people.”
It is the hope of the Choral Division that a continued dialogue between district leaders, educators, parents, and community members across the state can continue to explore sustainable solutions that preserve and strengthen choral opportunities for all students, not just in Aiken County, but in all districts. The Choral Division of SCMEA works to support all of our programs in SC and give every student access to a great music education.