(WESTFIELD) - Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith is facing backlash after criticizing a high school band performance in Westfield.
The comments were made on social media in response to a post supporting the Westfield High School indoor percussion ensemble ahead of state finals competition.
Beckwith wrote that schools like Westfield were "giving the middle finger to Christian Conservative families," and encouraged parents to use vouchers to remove their children from public schools.
The criticism was tied to this year's performance, titled "Red Line," which school officials say features Latin and Spanish music inspired by opera and classical sources.
Band Director Andrew Muth says the show was designed around musical themes and cultural influences.
Beckwith later expanded on his comments during a radio appearance, calling the performance "demonic" and claiming some students had raised concerns but were afraid to speak publicly.
The remarks prompted a strong response from students, staff, and supporters of the music program.
Muth says the program has received hundreds to thousands of supportive messages, along with increased donations to its scholarship fund.
Students and staff also showed visible support, wearing school colors and stickers backing the ensemble.