PLEASE DO NOT FUND

"Message From: David Blake
Context: ELBND2C-001 - INTERMEDIATE BAND C
Subject: Cheldelin Band & Orchestra Update
Cheldelin Band & Orchestra families,
 

As you may know, this spring the school district has made announcements regarding budget cuts and enrollment numbers. These changes have had a very profound impact on music education in Corvallis. Next school year elementary music programs are being reduced from twice a week to now once a week. 

This change has two effects to our music program that I would like to address:
 

1. Elementary Music education is being significantly reduced, which will impact the strength and growth of our secondary music programs long term. In order for Cheldelin music to be successful and strong, we must have strong programs at every elementary school.

2. The System in which teachers receive lay-offs is directly guided by their seniority and time in the district. Unfortunately these reductions at the elementary school level have a large impact on Cheldelin. Next year, I am being reduced to part-time and transferred to teach band at Corvallis High School.

I want you all to know that for many reasons this is my dream job. The talent and work ethic in Cheldelin Band & Orchestra is something I never could have imagined. With such amazing students over these last three years I have continued to learn and grow a person and as an educator. I continually set the bar higher, and every time I do that, you surpass my expectations. It is with a very heavy heart that I make this announcement, and my hope is that you keep an open mind and we all give the new director a huge Cheldelin welcome! 
 

I'd like to offer a perspective to this situation. 

When one door closes, another one opens... 

You have to choose to be an open-learner, it doesn't just happen to you.

When you are thrown into a situation that you didn't choose, sometimes the only power you have is the power in how you react. I am choosing to look for the positives, I would like to encourage you to choose to be an open-learner, choose to stay engaged. Those of you who do will surely continue to learn and grow, regardless if I'm the one at the front of the room. It is you who controls your future, not me or any other band director. 
 

There are a lot of music teachers in the world. We do this job because we love it and we all want to create lifelong musicians... Whoever steps into my shoes next year is going to work hard, and if you choose to have an open-mind I believe there will be a lot you can learn from them! 

I will be available to answer your questions when you are ready to talk about it. 

Students, thank you for your dedication.

Parents, thank you for your support.
 

With that all being said, we have a concert coming up:
Picnic Pops, and Popsicles will be on June 4th - save the date!

I am so excited for this and let's end the year with an incredible concert! 

Go Cougars!
Mr. Blake"