PETITION FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF JOHN KADZ

I am a Mount Royal Conservatory grad (1993). To hear about the slow dismantling of the Conservatory is a shame. The program created by Mr. Kadz, Dr. Elson, Ms. Barrett, among others, provided us a unique education which included private lessons, orchestra, chamber music, accompanist rehearsals, theory and musicianship classes. The memories of the hours at MRU (MRC back in my day) are looked about fondly as strong friendships were made as we all lived through the challenges of masterclasses to the joys of youth orchestra tours! I would not be where I am without this education. The decision to terminate Mr. Kadz and Mr. van der Sloot make me very sad to know that's where this fine institution has ended up... Alison Mah-Poy, violin l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal

He's an unbelievable teacher and he deserves to stay! Losing him would prove detriment to the university and conservatory! SO many of us came from all over the world to work with him and it's too late for us to go back or choose to go somewhere else or to look for other teachers. The university never showed or gave a formal response and you've already taken our money, REINSTATE JOHN KADZ.

I have very fond memories from my time at the MRU Conservatory, and I hate to see the teachers that make it so great leave.

Could we please be informed about the reasons a fantastic teacher, loyal employee has been removed from our academy program that has experienced success due to his immense contributions.

Mr. Kadz is an incredible teacher who cultivates not only a desire to play, but to practice until mastery is achieved. Mount Royal is being unfortunately shortsighted in not renewing his contract.

John Kadz was our chamber group coach for two years. Under him, my trio, including violinist Elizabeth MacCorquodale and cellist Ashton Lim, have won top prizes in chamber music performance, including the 2006 Canadian Music Competition National Chamber Music Prize. During our time with Mr Kadz, we performed extensively across Canada and also in China. He is one of the best musicians who have served as faculty at Mount Royal and he will continue to teach, inspire and cultivate young people's understanding of music just as he had for me.

Instructors and Professors of the stature of John Kadz and Bill van der Sloot are the most valuable resources of a Conservatory and University. The removal of such important and world renowned teachers represents a loss of not only musical talent, but also a loss of valuable economic resources that attracts students from around the world. These teachers are the very reason Mount Royal Conservatory is so recognized. Thus, if their removal is of economic reason, this recent move makes little sense, since their very presence in the Conservatory is of prime economic value. Anthony Tan Harvard University Boston, USA

This decision by the MRU is shocking and extremely disappointing. Bill and John were responsible for inspiring a generation of instrumentalists all over the world. It was because of them, that I chose to study at the MRC for 4 years and attend MMB for 6 years. Please reinstate both Bill and John to their respective duties - they are the pillars of the MRC and it would be a huge loss to not reverse this decision.

As the parent of a former John Kadz student I had the good fortune to experience his incredible teaching firsthand on a weekly basis for many years. As an MRU colleague I was inspired and drew upon his expertise in my own teaching. While I do not know the reason precipitating this action I do support this petition and am hopeful a positive solution can be reached.

This decision is like a military putch: no consultation even for the people who pay for lessons, for donors, for parents who want the best for our children. Famous university now, but for the wrong : it's called a bad reputation!

Unbelievable! What a shocking, boneheaded, shortsighted decision. It appears that there is a plan afoot to systematically undermine and destroy the extraordinary music program at Mount Royal. The decision not to renew the teaching contract of John Kadz is an appalling insult. He is gifted as a teacher, coach, and mentor. The decades long contribution John has made to the Conservatory and its students, and to the wider musical community both in Canada and around the world cannot be overstated.

I am appalled that the conservatory would take for granted such an incredible and important member of it's community. Although I am a woodwind alumni of the conservatory, many friends have spoken very fondly of Mr. Kadz, and I have watched them flourish and grow under his teaching. I am ashamed that the conservatory has pulled such a cheap trick only in the interest of financial gain. This isn't what the conservatory is about and this isn't what music is about.

This is blatant misrepresentation! !!!! You us either reinstate OR reimburse the students who enrolled for his teaching. It is also unlawful to take money for a service under a name that is NOT being provided!

Extremely sad to hear this news. Mr. Kadz has contributed greatly to the lives of so many for so long, myself included. In certain other provinces, not renewing an employee's contract without cause after decades of continuous service would constitute wrongful dismissal and entitle such employee to reinstatement and damages. Your decision is very disappointing and causes me considerable shame in calling myself an alumni of MRU.

I had planned to attend MRU after graduation but I must reconsider. This is terrible news and I don't believe the program there will ever be the same if you do not renew John and Bill's contracts.

BIG MISTAKE.

(as an aside, this kind of decision making makes me wonder if my two boys will attend MRU for post-secondary as planned... if the program continues to deteriorate as it seems to have been doing, I am not sure it would be the right fit)

I'm stunned. What a huge mistake. John Kadz could teach anywhere, yet he chooses to teach at MRU - don't you realize the gift? Please reconsider.

Please reconsider your decision.

Please reconsider your decision and see what Mr. Kadz has done for the conservatory.