The Torrington strings program for grades 4 through 8 is on the list of potential budget cuts and longtime music teacher Matthew Valenti vows to fight for his program.
"I'm trying to protect the kids," Valenti said.
Torrington is facing a $3 million shortfall.
"A lot of districts cut their strings programs because they're not visible," Valenti said.
School leaders have acknowledged that any cuts will hurt.
The district has been nationally recognized for its music education curriculum.
Last year, NBC Connecticut profiled Valenti's strings program, which he calls a model for others in the state.
Valenti said the 200 students who are in the orchestra shouldn't suffer.
"The kids love the program and I just think it would be a shame to end the string program," Valenti said.
