BUTLER (KDKA) — Parents in a local school district are hoping the music program is spared from budget cuts.

The Butler Golden Tornado Marching Band has an impressive resume, performing everywhere from the Tournament of Roses Parade to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“We go to Butler football games and all you hear is, ‘Biggest band in the land,’” Jillian Fields, a junior, said. “They cut the band – you won’t hear that anymore. I think it needs to be stressed how much we need our music.”

The people at Monday night’s meeting were concerned not only for the band, but also the music education program in general.

Andrew Yaracs, the band director, told the crowd that four music teachers retired last year and weren’t fully replaced. Three more will retire this year. That number includes Yaracs.

“The only student organization to represent the Butler School District, the community of Butler and the state of Pennsylvania on a national stage for the past 15 years and a global stage with two Tournament of Roses performances would now be in jeopardy.”

The board hasn’t publicly announced any plans to cut music education, but anticipating cuts, supporters decided to take a proactive approach.

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