Another Wrong Note for Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

In his latest attempt to deflect the problems in his church, Indiana’s own lieutenant governor, Micah Beckwith, has shared a post on social media demeaning a Hamilton county high school band program.

That’s right, friends, the man who you thought couldn’t go lower continues to find new ways to make himself look ridiculous. And we can’t keep quietly letting him belittle our community.

While I did not grow up in band, I did spend 6 years in orchestra, choir, and performing arts. My husband spent years in choir, performing arts, and collegiate singing groups, as well as being skilled in multiple instruments. Thus it was no surprise to me that our oldest gravitated to music, though her selection of the trombone was a new journey for us. Thanks to the incredible Intermediate and junior high teachers in HSE, she flourished, finding something she excelled at, and helped her to grow past any shyness.

I will never ever forget the concert in 8th grade where she surprised us with a solo, demonstrating how confident she had become. She made her high school choice due in large part to marching band, and found a community before even stepping foot in 9th grade.

A year in and I can’t even find adequate words to express what band has given my daughter. Or, what I’ve witnessed as a spectator. There is a place for everyone in music programs—every single child can find a community in music. To watch a group of children (and remembering that we are talking about children is of utmost importance here) come together, learn, perfect, and perform a piece of music is an awe-inspiring experience. Everyone works together, and everyone has a part to play.

It’s devastating and disappointing to think a man who lucked into a position of leadership would delight in bringing down the joy of music. Truly, it doesn’t even make sense. Music is a part of our lives, and every day, we see people from Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo bring joy to the world with music and belonging.

Micah, your comments make you look sad, and those of us delighting in music and its benefits aren’t hurt by you. Instead, we pity you for what you are clearly missing in your life—joy.