Ashley Music Association praises middle school music program success and funding support

The Ashland Public Schools School Committee meeting held on April 9, 2025, featured a heartfelt presentation from representatives of the Ashland Music Association, Diane Umholtz and Heidi Hansen. The meeting began with Umholtz expressing gratitude to the committee and administrators for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the challenges involved in managing school budgets.

Umholtz highlighted the positive developments in the middle school music programs, noting the recent awards won by students, which brought pride to the community. She specifically mentioned the success of the Bridal School Wind Ensemble, which earned a gold award and is set to perform at the Groton Hill Music Center. This achievement was met with enthusiasm, particularly from Umholtz, whose son is a member of the ensemble.

The Ashland Music Association plays a crucial role in supporting music education by funding expenses not covered by the school budget. Umholtz thanked committee member Jim for his efforts in making these additional expenses more visible, emphasizing the importance of transparency in funding music programs.

The meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing music education in Ashland schools, reflecting a broader dedication to fostering student achievement and community pride through the arts. Further discussions on budget allocations and program support are anticipated in future meetings as the committee continues to prioritize educational excellence.