It was once a school hallway full of singing, drum lines, and ensembles of superior musicians.

But now the NUHS music rooms will be less alive with the sound of music, and talented students who can currently participate in both band and choir may no longer be able to do so due to the school’s budget cuts.

“The number of Music and Art department staff is being reduced significantly,” Laura Schotzko, Fine Arts Booster Club President, said. “There will likely be fewer art and music electives for students to take.”

While still being a work in progress, the music staff will be reduced to “2.5 or 3 FTE’s rather than the 4 we previously had,” she said. Art will also be reduced to one teacher.

“The extracurricular activities like the musical director, Jazz Band, and Oak Street Singers will be harder to staff with less music teachers overall,” Schotzko said. “These might be in jeopardy because they are outside of school hours and would only be spread out over two or three teachers.”

Despite these budget cuts being beyond control, Schotzko says there are ways the Fine Arts Booster Club can help. “While staffing decisions are beyond our scope, we as boosters will continue to support and promote the students and staff of the Fine Arts Programs.”

“The booster will also continue to purchase needed items outside of the school budget,” Schotzko said. “If the community wants to help support Fine Arts, they can join the boosters with a $50 membership or can volunteer their time, as well as come to concerts, performances, and attend our fundraiser on June 25th.” More details can be found at www.nufineartsboosters.org.

The Fine Arts Boosters provide many things to students, such as food for long days and even celebrations.

“We also help with program shirt costs and any other needs that aren’t in the school’s budget,” Schotzko said. “For instance, this year we are dry cleaning the band uniforms, bought new band and choir music folders, organized a dinner for the Big South Choral Festival, secured funding to purchase new timpani heads, a tambourine, and a guiro for the band, headset mics for theater, and pressure strips for Knowledge Bowl.”

The booster also gave seniors in the fine arts their own plaques at the awards ceremony and fine arts banners.

If you wish to support, there are some upcoming fine arts events with a spring Band and Choir Concert on May 18 in the NUHS Auditorium and a Summer Showcase Fundraiser on June 25 at The Franklin.