Lt. Gov. Beckwith criticizes Westfield band, schools in Facebook post

A social media reel posted by the Westfield High School Band came under fire in an April 22 Facebook post from Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. The band’s Facebook reel, originally posted March 28, depicted its indoor percussion team in costume and on school buses before participation in the Indiana Percussion Association State Finals. Micah Beckwith Beckwith’s Facebook post, published April 22 on the “Micah Beckwith For Indiana” page, described as his personal Facebook page, posted a link to the Westfield Facebook reel with the following message: “ This is Westfield High School. I’m starting to get the sense that schools like Westfield LOVE giving the (middle finger emoji) to Christian Conservative families of our community. “Parents… use the VOUCHERS and get your kids OUT of our Indiana public schools like Westfield. Their futures and their lives depend on it!” Beckwith did not elaborate what he objected to in the reel or why he found it was offensive to Christian conservative families. The post appeared to be deleted from Beckwith’s page April 23, but it was restored and viewable as of April 24. Current reached out to Beckwith for comment, but there was no response from his office. Indoor percussion performances have a stylized theme with often colorful costumes. The Westfield indoor percussion costumes are black and red. Band members had black makeup under their eyes in the reel Beckwith criticized. The WHS indoor percussion theme is “Red Line.” A Feb. 21 social media post from the Westfield Band account explained the “Red Line” theme. “The Red Line follows a journey of knowing where boundaries exist, yet feeling an urge to cross them. From the restraint of Bolero to the fire of Carmen Fantasy and Capriccio Espagnol, restraint gives way to passion as precision collides with obsession, leaving us changed forever.” “Bolero”, “Carmen Fantasy” and “Capriccio Espagnol” refer to violin compositions. Without referring to Beckwith specifically, the following was posted on the Westfield Band Facebook page on the evening of March 22. The Facebook page is run by the Westfield Band Boosters and is not affiliated with Westfield Washington Schools. “We stand – Rock Strong! “We are aware of the recent social media post made regarding our program. “At Westfield, our focus remains unchanged. “We are deeply committed to student learning, music education, and creating positive, life-changing experiences for every student who walks through our doors. Our program is built to be an inclusive environment – one that welcomes, supports, and challenges all students to grow not only as musicians, but as people. “We believe in a family system of support. That means students, staff, and families working together to ensure that every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered. We meet students where they are, and we help them become the best version of themselves. “Our philosophy is simple: we are building this program one rock at a time. Each student is one of those rocks — carefully shaped, supported, and prepared to be life-ready when they leave us. “And above all, we stand by the promise we make to our students every day. ‘I will not let you down — right here, right now.’ “That is the work. That is the mission. And that is what we will continue to do. “Thank you for your continued trust, support, and belief in our program. “Sincerely – Westfield Band.” As Beckwith’s social media post became known, the Westfield band received online support from other bands and the Indiana Percussion Association. On April 23, Westfield Washington Schools released a statement to Current and on its social media channels. “As a district, we wanted to take advantage of the recent interest in Westfield High School band activities to say: We are so proud of our Shamrocks! WHS’s band program continues to set a high standard for performance, growth, and opportunity,” the statement said. “From The Pride of Westfield Marching Band to nationally competitive winter ensembles, our students are consistently demonstrating excellence through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.” The WWS post went on to point out several Westfield band awards gained in the 2020s. “We’re grateful for the commitment of our students, the leadership of our staff, and the partnership of families and the Band Boosters organization, all of which make these programs and opportunities possible,” the WWS statement said. Westfield Mayor Scott Willis, via The City of Westfield social media channels, also posted a message of support for WWS April 23. “ As a city, we stand alongside Westfield Washington Schools,” Willis stated. “We work closely with our schools every day, and we’re proud of our students, educators, coaches, support staff, and administration. The strength of our schools, and the opportunities they provide, is a big part of why people choose Westfield. “Our students continue to represent Westfield at a high level, both on and off the field. The achievements highlighted by the district reflect not just talent, but a strong commitment to discipline, teamwork, and doing things the right way,” the statement continued. “When you hear ‘from Westfield, Indiana’ announced on a national stage, it’s a point of pride for our entire community. These students have put in the work, and it shows. It’s a great example of what can happen when students are supported by their schools, their families, and their community,” Willis concluded. This isn’t the first time Beckwith has criticized Westfield schools. In 2024 after he was elected, Beckwith was embroiled in a public dispute over an invitation to observe the agriculture program at WHS. Beckwith claimed the invitation had been rescinded and criticized WWS administrators in a radio interview. Beckwith later visited the WHS agriculture program, prompting protests outside the school. Related posts: No related posts. Share. Tumblr