Loss Of Music Teacher

Hits A Sour Note

(The following letter to the Board of Education has been received for publication.)

Dear Newtown Board of Education,

I am writing to ask that the salary associated with the removal of the director of music position be put back into the budget so we don’t have to lose another chorus teacher in this town.

I am a parent of a child who was in the choral program in May 2010. It was a horrible summer that followed, full of uncertainties. Who will teach the program for my senior year? Who will write college letters? Advise me on college audition songs? Will there be the afternoon singers? Will there be a school musical? Will someone fill out the paperwork for me to attend the All Eastern festival? Will we have a teacher that can work with us and help us to grow as musicians? The removal of a teacher by a school system is not a happy experience. Especially if allegations are not proven, and you still have doubt. It’s not as if your teacher is leaving to have a baby, or to retire. The rug is pulled out from under you, and you’re left with fear and uncertainty that lasts for months. In this case, the choral teacher did nothing wrong, just happened to be the last one hired into that department.

I don’t have a child in the choral program this time around. I have a child in the band program, and he works on crew for the shows. It’s all the same. They are all part of the music program. The teachers in the Music Department, Jane Matson and Kurt Eckhardt, spend hours upon hours with our children in after-school activities. Time is spent with Singers, Marching Band, Jazz Band, drama productions, from 10 to 20 hours a week, including some Saturdays with them. The students form strong bonds with these teachers as they share their love of music.

Under the guidance of Jane Matson, who brought to the music program her expertise, passion for music, and love of teaching children, the program is being rebuilt. This time last year, Jane had a difficult time with some of the older students in the program who dug in their heels at the thought of doing things differently from what they were used to. The choral program had become full of division and a lack of respect for other talents. Jane was accommodating to try and not upset these students more than necessary. She didn’t come in as a teacher that wanted everything her way. She was open to suggestions, and sometimes, despite wanting things differently, knew that the best way to come into a shattered program was to build slowly and earn their trust. She earned that trust. She has finally brought the choir, crew, band, and drama children a million steps closer to a place of unity, where they work together.

I truly don’t understand why a town would want to put their children through this experience again.

Sincerely,

Isabel Cummings

98 Glen Road, Sandy Hook                                        January 24, 2012