Keep Our music teachers full time at Southern Middle

Mr.Albright was my orchestra teacher in middle school and made so much difference in my life. If it wasn't for orchestra I would have probably turned out much differently than I have.

It's of great concern to me that our children must suffer the loss of a great music program and teacher. If this is a money issue why has the state allowed all of these casinos to be opened and uses the mask that it will benefit the school system and yet there is not enough money? Really, Lets cut something else that is not so beneficial. Middle School is where we loss our youth in the first place, it's a really hard time for children. Why take away something that builds self esteem, teaches self discipline, and increases their academic scores because isn't that the goal in the first place!

It's of great concern to me that our children must suffer the loss of a great music program and teacher. If this is a money issue why has the state allowed all of these casinos to be opened and uses the mask that it will benefit the school system and yet there is not enough money? Really, Lets cut something else that is not so beneficial. Middle School is where we loss our youth in the first place, it's a really hard time for children. Why take away something that builds self esteem, teaches self discipline, and increases their academic scores because isn't that the goal in the first place!

I am a music teacher in the county. My children (grades 10 and 8) participated in both band and strings with Mr. Albright. I have been doubly fortunate to have worked with him as a colleague and as a parent whose kids have become talented musicians. Music is so important for kids of any age. It provides an expressive outlet. It teaches showmanship. It builds character and self-esteem. It builds a sense of teamwork and pride in a group effort. It's like learning another language, one that is universal. Mr. Albright has instilled in these kids all of those things with enthusiasm and dedication to the program, to Southern Middle, and to each and every student who walks through the door within the music department and beyond. Please reconsider the cut-back in this position, not just for Mr. Albright but for the continued success of the music program at Southern. Thank you for your support of the arts!

I am a music teacher in the county. My children (grades 10 and 8) participated in both band and strings with Mr. Albright. I have been doubly fortunate to have worked with him as a colleague and as a parent whose kids have become talented musicians. Music is so important for kids of any age. It provides an expressive outlet. It teaches showmanship. It builds character and self-esteem. It builds a sense of teamwork and pride in a group effort. It's like learning another language, one that is universal. Mr. Albright has instilled in these kids all of those things with enthusiasm and dedication to the program, to Southern Middle, and to each and every student who walks through the door within the music department and beyond. Please reconsider the cut-back in this position, not just for Mr. Albright but for the continued success of the music program at Southern. Thank you for your support of the arts!

Mr. Albright is an amazing educator and a teacher that cares deeply about his students and the community. Our daughter is very upset that he will be leaving next year as are we. I understand the realities of tight budgets, but there has to be a way to avoid this step. He is such an asset to our kids and community that every effort should be made to avoid this from happening. He has 'no junk' fundraisers where he just asks the community for donations, and all expectations are exceeded. We respect the job he is doing and if funds are needed to continue, we respond to his leadership. He told a story of one morning he was late for early morning orchestra. Instead of his kids just sitting around doing nothing, or worse causing issues, they started practicing on their own. He was even amazed at this, but it is evident his kids respect his dedication, character and example. We do as well and hope you can make every effort to retain Mr. Albright at SMS where he is needed, respected and obviously enjoys working.

Mr. Albright is an amazing educator and a teacher that cares deeply about his students and the community. Our daughter is very upset that he will be leaving next year as are we. I understand the realities of tight budgets, but there has to be a way to avoid this step. He is such an asset to our kids and community that every effort should be made to avoid this from happening. He has 'no junk' fundraisers where he just asks the community for donations, and all expectations are exceeded. We respect the job he is doing and if funds are needed to continue, we respond to his leadership. He told a story of one morning he was late for early morning orchestra. Instead of his kids just sitting around doing nothing, or worse causing issues, they started practicing on their own. He was even amazed at this, but it is evident his kids respect his dedication, character and example. We do as well and hope you can make every effort to retain Mr. Albright at SMS where he is needed, respected and obviously enjoys working.

My son is in the orchestra at Southern Middle School. Mr. Albright, has been instrumental in keeping music an important part of our children’s lives. My son plays the viola and has advanced both musically and academically (he is a straight A student). I truly believe that this is in part because of Mr. Albright’s loyalty and enthusiasm to the music program at SMS. Mr. Albright works with our children both before and after school. How will we get this dedication with a part time position? Please reconsider the funding for the music program at Southern Middle School. We need full time positions for our music program and need to keep Mr. Albright.

My son is in the orchestra at Southern Middle School. Mr. Albright, has been instrumental in keeping music an important part of our children’s lives. My son plays the viola and has advanced both musically and academically (he is a straight A student). I truly believe that this is in part because of Mr. Albright’s loyalty and enthusiasm to the music program at SMS. Mr. Albright works with our children both before and after school. How will we get this dedication with a part time position? Please reconsider the funding for the music program at Southern Middle School. We need full time positions for our music program and need to keep Mr. Albright.

We own Brass on Ivory Music in Edgewater. We have many many customers whose children attend SMS. We hear nothing but rave reviews from both parents and students about Mr Albright. This is NOT a good sign for music education in AACPS. Let's get with it Superintendent!!!! Read your reports about the benefits of music education....and cut back on some of those Ridiculous other options you are offering these students. Get back to the basic classes for our students....maybe there would be more students going to and staying in college!!

We own Brass on Ivory Music in Edgewater. We have many many customers whose children attend SMS. We hear nothing but rave reviews from both parents and students about Mr Albright. This is NOT a good sign for music education in AACPS. Let's get with it Superintendent!!!! Read your reports about the benefits of music education....and cut back on some of those Ridiculous other options you are offering these students. Get back to the basic classes for our students....maybe there would be more students going to and staying in college!!

Mr. Albright is a huge part of my children's success. Music has been the foundation in their lives. My son believes that his love for music created by Mr. Albright is a big reason for his acceptance to MIT. The music students are the brightest and best behaved and most creative kids in our school system. Without a fulltime program this success rate will drastically decline.

Mr. Albright is a huge part of my children's success. Music has been the foundation in their lives. My son believes that his love for music created by Mr. Albright is a big reason for his acceptance to MIT. The music students are the brightest and best behaved and most creative kids in our school system. Without a fulltime program this success rate will drastically decline.

Mr. Albright has made my son's time at SMS a success. He has a place to belong and a great teacher to look up to. My son is not only in the Concert Band but in the Jazz Ensemble as well. Mr. Albright has encouraged and helped Brandon to take risks and grow in his music as well as his personal life. Mr. Albright is also not only great with the students but he works to help the whole community - the elementary music programs as well as the high school programs. I am afraid to think what will happen if we loose him. I would hate to see the music program dry up and disappear. Music brings out the best in the students - it gives them a sense of belonging and helps them to excel in other areas of their life - academically and personally. Please do not let us loose Mr . Albright and our music programs.

Mr. Albright has made my son's time at SMS a success. He has a place to belong and a great teacher to look up to. My son is not only in the Concert Band but in the Jazz Ensemble as well. Mr. Albright has encouraged and helped Brandon to take risks and grow in his music as well as his personal life. Mr. Albright is also not only great with the students but he works to help the whole community - the elementary music programs as well as the high school programs. I am afraid to think what will happen if we loose him. I would hate to see the music program dry up and disappear. Music brings out the best in the students - it gives them a sense of belonging and helps them to excel in other areas of their life - academically and personally. Please do not let us loose Mr . Albright and our music programs.

Mr. Albright was by far one of the most influential teachers I ever had. People need to have more respect for music programs especially the really good ones, like the ones at Southern Middle.

Mr. Albright was by far one of the most influential teachers I ever had. People need to have more respect for music programs especially the really good ones, like the ones at Southern Middle.

If the board needs money. Get rid of unnecessary administration positions. Or have the administration who are paid too much money to take a pay cut.

If the board needs money. Get rid of unnecessary administration positions. Or have the administration who are paid too much money to take a pay cut.

Our sons are high-school bound, but Mr. Albright and the music program have been an important part of their middle school experience!