Hello, we are students from Maples Collegiate and Maples MET calling out to the Seven Oaks School Division and its administration to let Mr. Carl Manuel continue teaching in the Maples Band Program. 

Mr. Manuel has dramatically impacted the Maples Band Program and continues to use his skills and talents to contribute to the program, despite the fact that he’s only been teaching for almost a year. Given that he is a Maples Alumnus, he is well-versed in how the band program functions. He utilizes this knowledge to create a more engaging learning environment for young musicians and applies it to his teaching style. Mr. Manuel also inspires students who wish to pursue a music degree given his educational background.

The Maples Band Program recognizes our rapidly changing world. Mr. Manuel continues to be a leading advocate for increasing awareness of the representation of women composers and diverse cultural music along with Ms. Jaclyn Loganberg and Mr. Brian Zimmerman, our other band directors in Maples. Mr. Manuel continues to introduce music from different ethnicities and contemporary music that he once appreciated when he was still getting his music degree at Brandon University to our growing band program.

Maples Collegiate is considered a well-diverse school and our band program is no exception. Ms. Loganberg acts as the program’s motherly figure, promoting the band program as a safe space for everyone to be who they want to be. Mr. Zimmerman is a strong advocate of freedom of speech, and he would often encourage students to share their thoughts on current events by asking them questions about the rapidly changing world. Mr. Manuel creates deep connections with his students as he empathizes with them more due to his age. He makes Filipinos feel more comfortable about their identity within the band program by sharing Filipino jokes and traditions in class. He also makes people from other ethnicities feel included by happily explaining his Filipino jokes. As the number of students of color in Maples exponentially grows, Mr. Manuel will continue to be a role model for people of color. He will continue to deeply sympathize with their struggles in blending into this well-diverse community.

By signing this petition, you support not only the continuous growth of musicians in the Maples Band Program but also future students of color and their potential to thrive in our community.

#LetCarlTeach #BringCarlBack