A reversal from the New Rochelle City school district means Elementary Band and Orchestra will continue.

The district says funds will be reallocated to support the programs.

This change came just hours before students, parents and teachers were set to protest in front of New Rochelle City Hall.

The proposed budget is more than $370.4 million with a 1.85% tax levy hike.

In that, there were proposed reductions of the Elementary Band and Orchestra programs.

But on Friday, a letter was sent out stating that the district administration will reallocate funds budgeted for charter school expenditures to restore the Elementary Band and Orchestra programs for the upcoming year.

People still showed up on Friday afternoon to have their voices heard. While many are thrilled for this change, they say cuts to these programs shouldn't have been considered in the first place.

"When kids are engaged in music, they're expressing themselves. They're engaging in math skills. They're doing so many things that build their brains. It's been well documented, and I hope that New Rochelle will continue to provide that for our children."

The district noted that voting down the budget does not guarantee the restoration of any programs, including the Elementary Band and Orchestra.

Voters will still need to come out on May 19.