Preparing for the FCAT could force a Manatee County school to eliminate a music program.

Buffalo Creek Middle School in Palmetto could be losing their orchestra program next year.

Principal Matthew Gruhl said it’s something he doesn’t want to see happen. However, he might be forced to cut the program.

He said the decision will be based on FCAT Reading results, which are expected to come in early July. If the results are low, he said he’ll be required to add an extra FCAT reading class. To make room for this class, an elective will need to be eliminated.

Gruhl said he’s looking at orchestra because it is least popular elective at the school. Recently, he asked the students to rate the 10 electives offered at school, and orchestra came in last place.

The news of the possible elimination of orchestra is upsetting to students, like sixth-grader Lauren Olmsted.

“I was sad because it’s my first year,” she said. “I wanted to keep going with it.”

Olmsted has spent the year learning to play the violin. She had hopes of improving, but now she’s worried she won’t get the chance.       

The orchestra program has been in place since Buffalo Creek opened its doors nearly five years ago.

Parents said the loss would hurt students and their families.  

“The alternatives aren’t pretty,” Lauren's mother, Christine Olmsted, said. “Not many parents have the time or the money to go out and look for private tutoring in that area if their children do want to pursue it.  They may not get that experience otherwise.”

Amy Krage’s son is in sixth grade and is enrolled in orchestra. She said she believes the lack of this program would limit students’ opportunities to be exposed to a variety of musical instruments.

Krage also feels it would cause students to look for an education elsewhere.

"It may be lowest, but there is still an exorbitant amount of interest there," she said. "I’d hate to see those kids have to choose another school just because we don’t offer another elective."

The decision is not set in stone. If the FCAT results are good, no cuts will be needed.

A final decision is expected to be made in about six weeks.