I’m writing in response to the news that Albert Lea’s high school band director, Peter Gepson, is being cut from his position. While I understand that, sometimes, sacrifices must be made in order to create a greater good, it would be unfortunate to see such a fine teacher go — especially in light of all that he’s done for Albert Lea High School and the community as a whole.

While my primary musical interests lie in the realm of vocal and keyboard performance, my younger sister’s involvement in band makes this issue pertinent to me. Albert Lea’s band program has improved tremendously over the past three years under Mr. Gepson’s direction. I attended the underclass-level band concert in March and was delighted to hear how much they had improved since I attended Albert Lea High School. Mr. Gepson has brought energy and enthusiasm back into the band program, and it’s easy to see that he’s had a positive influence on his students. They play with feeling and emotion, and one can tell that each student takes his or her position in the ensemble very seriously. (I am proud to say Albert Lea’s bands — as well as its choirs and orchestra — are at nearly the same caliber as some collegiate-level ensembles. I highly encourage all community members to attend at least one of the high school music department’s concerts before the end of the school year.)

Superintendent Funk implied in a recent Tribune article “Superintendent: ‘There are a lot of teachers being cut’” (April 7, 2011) that students and community members are putting far too much emphasis on Mr. Gepson’s being fired, in light of the fact that there are a number of positions being cut. However, it seems to me that if a large number of students are adamantly against the potential loss of a teacher, and are this vocal about it, there must be something that that educator is doing right.

It seems counter-intuitive to take away such a positive influence for these young musicians, some of whom, because of Mr. Gepson’s guidance and encouragement, have only just begun their musical journeys. I speak from experience when I say that such journeys are the most challenging, and yet, most fulfilling, journeys young people can take.

Amy Sandager

Decorah, Iowa