(The following letter to Newtown Superintendent of Schools Joseph Erardi, Jr, has been received for publication.)

Dear Dr. Erardi,

I feel compelled to write this letter to you in reference to a wonderful experience I had with some of the high school band students in your district.

My wife and I were returning home from visiting one of our granddaughter who attends Franklin and Marshall College when we decided to stop at a Snack/Rest Stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. Within a few minutes your high school band students entered the rest stop as well. I was happy to witness perfect behavior as far as their mannerisms and speech were involved. I took it upon myself to strike up a conversation with one of your students (he is a junior and one of the trumpet players), who filled me in about their weekend activities. He was very mature, and a joy to talk with.  He was very happy to share the great news that they had placed number 7 out of 34 bands. Bravo!

Terrific job. Being a retired high school chorus teacher, I can appreciate everything I witnessed with this fabulous group of youngsters. Yes, they were fabulous. Too bad members of the news media weren't around to report on this lovely group of youngsters.

I approached two people who I assume mother/chaperones, and expressed the joy that we were experiencing with their young men and women. They took it upon themselves to draw their band director into the conversation. He had only accolades for his students. It was obvious that he loved his job and loved his students to go the extra mile to a competition on a weekend. It was also obvious that his students thought very highly of their teacher/director.  This brought back many fond memories for me.

America is in great shape if these students are going to lead and represent us in the future. I would appreciate it if you would share this letter of commendation with the band director as well as the band students and other members of your community.

Sincerely yours,

Philip N. Ambrosino

North Babylon, NY     November 2, 2014