We, the Alumni of the Cambridge South Dorchester High School Music Program, submit the following petition as an earnest recommendation for efficient staffing of the Instrumental Music and Vocal Music Programs. It is in best interest that two full-time teaching positions be reserved, and filled for the Music Department (one teaching specialist in Instrumental Music and one teaching specialist in Vocal Music).

Currently, with both positions combined, the already failing CSD music program runs the risk of not being able to hire highly-qualified candidates as the hired person would be required to teach two different performing ensembles. While the state of Maryland doesn't differentiate music teachers who have specializations in instrumental music from those who have a specialization in vocal music music students majoring in music education choose vocal or instrumental music tracks. These majors only share music theory, cognition and development and maybe some general education / general music courses. Pedagogically these students will learn completely different skills for their future vocations including (teaching methods, repertoire and technical proficiency) for their chosen discipline. Choral educators will not have brass and woodwind technique classes; Band educators will not have vocal technique classes.

Over the last ten years, we have watched the program that we adored crumble before our eyes and the community. This has been result of poor decisions by administration along with director chosen for these jobs who were not the best fit or qualified for the position. This must change immediately. While many of us did not go into the field of music performance or education, we all agree that the performing arts were highlights of our adolescent lives and fostered skills that we drew upon in our college and career choices.

We are willing to help and support OUR program. This begins with you, the administration, creating an attractive program to qualified instrumental and vocal educators. Please take immediate action. We look forward to working cooperatively to returning the CSD Music Program to a position of excellence known across the state of Maryland.

Thank You,

Signed the Alumni of the CSD Music Program