Mr. Gefter as Claude Watson Band Majors Teacher

Mr.Gefter's teaching really helped me a lot in gr.9. Although he seems very strict, and harsh, he really cares about the well being of all his students. Mr.Gefter was only my music teacher in entitlement, but he taught me so much more. I have learned many important lessons from Mr.Gefter and he has affected my life in so many good ways. He is extremely commited to his job and gently pushes his student to commit to improving themselves as well. He is unquestionably te best teacher i have had in my life and continues to motivate me to better myself.

I have been really fortunate to have Mr. Gefter teach me and have him play such an influential role in my life. I came into the arts program to challenge myself so that I can become better as a musician. Mr. Gefter understood me. His method of teaching provided an environment where students feel the need to perform at a level beyond what others expected of them. He is dependable, strong willed, wise, honest, and a visionary. As I am now no longer one of his students, I long for his quality of teaching, it is unmatched. I don’t understand why anyone would deprive the opportunity of a student to experience a learning environment where he or she is surrounded by peers who wish to go beyond the norm and achieve greatness. Mr. Gefter thank-you for making me a modest human being, yet still a very much ambitious one. Please do your best to keep him teaching.

Mr. Gefter has become one of the most inspiring figures in my life in the very short amount of time we've known each other. Very few teachers have ever given me such a lasting impression, and I now am rarely able to pick up my instrument without considering the lessons he has taught me or how he might guide me to improve. Despite how stern or unreasonable I sometimes found his demands to be, I quickly realized that it was exactly these qualities that prompted me to push for heights I previously thought were impossible for me to achieve. The one year I have spent under his guidance has caused me to improve exponentially, and it is the result of him and him alone that I was capable of coming so far. His methods may appear harsh at face value, but ultimately they carry the purpose of helping us reach as far as we can possibly go, and it is undeniable that he cares for each and every single one of us as individuals and musicians. His efforts have caused us to be recognized as one of the most formidable high school bands in the province, and this in itself speaks volumes about his true character. He is a man that deserves to lead us, and it is only respectful that such a conductor should be reinstated as what he deserves to be.

A lot of people had told me I should be more confident in my performance as a musician. But Mr. Gefter was the first person that took the initiative to actually help me with great suggestions and demonstration. Without his help, the shy little girl would not be able to conduct the whole graduating music class to perform in front of the entire student body and the faculty of the Claude Watson Arts Program. I do understand that his unique teaching style might not fit every student, but I believe it is what every successful musician needs. On the Claude Watson Arts Program website, it says that the program is an enriched environment “to promote creative expression, inspire excellence, and instill discipline in a supportive, collaborative, and challenging environment”. If that is what the program is trying to create for artistic students that desire to be successful, it seems contradicting to suspend the person that can fulfill this statement the most. I believe Mr. Gefter had prepared many of us to become professional in musical performance with “instill discipline”, and it will be unfortunate for the fellow students to not have such an inspiring mentor to enrich their musical experience.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” ― William Arthur Ward

Incredible teacher, but an even better person. Mr. Gefter has been a source of inspiration and motivation to my life.

Mr. Gefter is the most inspirational teacher I've ever had in all my years in public education. I am grateful for his superior teaching techniques, and I have learned so much from him. His superior teaching techniques and warm heart really brings out the best in me.

Mr Gefter is a mentor to me, but he also shows me how to think and act like a professional musician. His passion for music and his students is unlimited because he is caring and loving. There are no reasons why Mr.Gefter can't teach the claude watson program while all of us want him as a teacher.

Mr. Gefter brought out the best in everyone's musical abilities. He not only pushed us to work and play at our best, but he did so because he believed in us and saw our potential. He taught his students how to play their instruments, but also about musicality. He taught us to enjoy the music and not just learn the piece and perform it with no mistakes. He should be brought back to teach and Claude Watson because the reasons for his dismissal are unreasonable and cons of his presence do not nearly weigh out the pros.

By all means, one of the best and most influential teachers I ever had. This is a huge mistake not only for the school but the program as well. I, as a former student of Mr. Gefter's still use methods that he taught me many years ago and apply them to the music that I study today at the university level. Yes, he always pushed hard but if you look at any one of the recent videos of the symphonic band, you can see the results for yourself. He pushed us hard because he knew what we were capable of and wanted to get the most out of us. Once, again, one of the most influential teachers I ever had. I learned more from him then from any other human being other then my parents. If what I say means anything, I think that Mr. Gefter should 110% be re-instated as a teacher in the Claude Watson Arts Program.

The fact that this requires a petition is an appalling reflection of what society deems as a proper relationship between a teacher and student. Building emotional relationships area critical in creating a good working relationships, especially with youth.

Mr. Gefter is one of the finest teachers I've ever come across. It is appalling and disappointing to see that the new administration after Ms. Beverly Ohashi is clamping down and taking away one of the stars of the music faculty. This problem has never happened before the new administration came in. In 2009, I transferred into the music program as a grade 12 band major, and had classes with Mr. Gefter everyday. I can testify that he dealt with his students most respectfully. There are not enough teachers like him. He has taught students the value of hard work, punctuality, respectful behaviour, self-discipline, teamwork, persistence, and ultimately, the power of music. I can understand why some people would not take him as kindly, because Mr. Gefter will discipline those who affect other classmates in negative ways with their attitude problems. But he never gives up on his students. It shows that Mr. Gefter really cares about his students, even those who perform and act poorly. I also commend the music faculty for fostering such a unique environment in allowing students to grow and to shine. I honestly think that Claude Watson's music faculty is the best in Canada. When we compete in Kiwanis, Earl Haig is almost always scoring above the 90s, and other schools know that it's largely because of excellent teachers and leaders in the music program. To the administration: Please know that if you take away Mr. Gefter's position, you are also denying many students the possibility of a future in music. The most amazing thing for me was seeing my peers grow exponentially under his teaching. I've seen students who start off as "beginners" but grow to become incredible musicians because of Mr. Gefter's coaching and direction. He has inspired so many students to fall in love with music and to find their future in this art. There is absolutely no question about his influence on many students' decision to pursue music for secondary education.

He was an excellent teacher, this is really unfair

A great teacher!!!

He truly is an inspiring teacher and human being.

Mr Gefter is a passionate music teacher, of which his passion can be seen through the high quality of the music program. I support him to continue teaching Claude Watson music majors.

Mr. Gefter is one of the best teachers I've ever had.

If Claude Watson is a gifted program, why is the most gifted man in the department suspended? Seldomly will a student encounter a teacher who will treat him/her as his/her equal. Mr. Gefter is one of the few. He judges his students solely on their work ethic and subsequent results. Furthermore, he inspires and nurtures a good work ethic. This is man of reality unfortunately stuck in a system that does not recognize the treatment of students as young professionals. His removal is absolutely ridiculous.

This man's suspension is an absolute outrage. He is a gifted and passionate musician. Admittedly, he needs to work on his diplomacy, but his only flaw is that he treats his students like peers and professionals instead of infants who need to be coddled. To rob Haig's band majors of the opportunity to work with such a gifted and passionate musician is tantamount to a crime, and the people who caused this should be ashamed.

Mr. Gefter in an incredible teacher. Thanks to him, I know how to keep tempo, I know how to sight-read while singing, I know how to keep pushing myself to do better, and I know how to respect my teachers. Though his lessons may seem different and challenging and even scary at times, he truly does mean well in the end. Mr. Gefter, an incredible teacher and also a great friend, deserves better than this.