THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, October 9, 1996            TAG: 9610090004
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   25 lines

BAND PLAYS ON, BUT SCHOOLS DON'T PAY

In response to Susan Leichtman's letter of Sept. 23 (``Heed the lesson behind this ``opus'''':

While ``Mr. Holland's Opus'' was a moving movie, it does not reflect the Virginia Beach school system. Our middle schools and high schools do have a very extensive music program. We do share one fact with the movie though. The music programs are not supported by the school system.

Presently, one of my children is a member of a local high school band. This year's fees for the band alone were over $500. This accounts for uniforms, transportation, maintenance and competition fees. Now, $500 may not seem like much to some people, but to some it's a very high amount.

Why doesn't the school system contribute to this program? It supports all sports programs down to the last dime but not the music programs. Are sports such a vital interest in schools that music and arts should be dropped?

Maybe the school board should study this.

J. L. BROOKS

Virginia Beach, Sept. 23, 1996 by CNB