Some Madison middle school students will soon face a tough decision: music programs or other after-school activities.

Sherman Middle School plans to pull orchestra and band as regular school programs.

Now parents of Sherman students are rallying together to find a way to keep the programs part of the normal 7 period day.

But Sherman's principal, Ann Yehle, says a new 8th hour is a direct reflection of the school's changing needs.

Yehle says she wants students to have more course options. That's why they're moving band and orchestra to an optional 8th hour next year.

Sheryl Trumbower is orchestrating an effort to keep music programs during the regular school hours. She has four children who play instruments in a school band.

Trumbower says it would be unfair to make children choose between music and other after-school activities.

Many parents, like Trumbower, are outraged at the change. But Yehle says it will be a positive note.

The move to the 8th hour goes into effect at the start of the coming school year. The change is only for Sherman Middle School, it's not district wide.