Vancouver Island University is facing backlash from the community after the Board of Governors recently voted to cut its music programs. The cancelled programs include VIU’s Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music classical transfer, and Jazz Studies Diploma. VIU cited fiscal responsibility and low enrolment as the rationale behind these cuts. Times Colonist reports that several hundred letters of support were sent to the board before the vote, and that staff and community members are expressing frustration and disbelief over the decision. VIU Music Program Chair Sasha Koerbler said that other programs with similarly low enrolments have not been cut, and that the program cancellation will exacerbate the shortage of music teachers in local schools.
