Reinstate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki as Principal Conductor of St. Michael's Choir School

awdawdwad

Doc has to be one of the most influential teachers I have ever met. Now that's not saying much since I am in grade 8 but it still means something to me. Though his methods of teaching are sometimes through yelling a small bit at students who aren't paying attention, his qualities are what you would want your ideal teacher to have. He is knowledagable, light hearted at times, and strict when he needs to be. Overall I feel Doc embodies a true chorister and to let a true chorister as great as this one go is a huge mistake.

To: anon member I am surprised that you are assuming that contributors to this petition have no knowledge of the situation. This is much more to us than a private matter between an employee and an employer. If you knew of Dr Cichocki's legacy at SMCS you would be trying to minimize the reaction to his sudden firing. It is the blind action taken by administrators (who give no information/reason etc) that makes a strong timely reaction so warranted. How can we accept such an action when we haven't recieved proper info? Please DO NOT "anon member" sign this petition. While you sit on your hands we will express our outrage and demand the decision makers accountable for their actions.

I agree with you @anon member. #respect. I agree 100% that patience is warranted. But I am not certain most participants here are truly jumping to conclusions. I think they simply want answers as much as the next person is all. Their positions or conclusions are based on facts we know to be true today, and here are some of those: As parents, alumni, students, relatives, fans and even casual observers... ...We know Doc has been let go. ...We don't know why. ...We were informed in a note that positively defined brevity, but lacked detail of any value. ...We know this action amounts to 30 odd years of quality work thrown under the bus. ...While "anyone can be replaced", we know that no one of the same calibre exists that can do what Doc does, and in the way that Doc does it. ...We can easily assume division in the ranks of authority; this surely cannot be acceptable to everyone at SMCS. ...We have leverage: we carry a significant portion of the ledger on the west side of the street, and contribute no small portion to the east side as well. ...We know that, without Doc, the musical deficit at the Cathedral Basilica is beyond quantification. and, once again... ...We base our positions on the facts we know to be true NOW, while we will wait until the end of this week to hear more. So let's find patience and mindfulness, and at the same time let's strengthen the full support for our sons. Due respect, but they are the most important player in this as far as I am concerned. Finally, as far as "blindly petitioning action" is concerned, consider for a moment the young originator of this petition: whether right or wrong, he feels that he represents the conscience of over 200 young men and boys. And, though not professionally sophisticated as you or I might think ourselves to be, he seeks understanding as any young man might - through action. And I say bravo for that - BRAVO!! Would it that ALL our sons be a "man for others" in this way!! Therefor

I'm glad you're fully enlightened on the situation. Please feel free to share with all the facts on the situation that others may not be privy to but that confirms this hypothesis.

@anon member: firing dr. cichocki was the irresponsible and unreasonable thing to do, not supporting him

It's shameful that Dr. Chichocki, who has dedicated himself throughout his career to bringing out the absolute best and finest in others, has been treated in such a mean-spirited way by the very institution whose reputation he has burnished for over 25 years. This is shabby treatment that reflects poorly on the motives and agenda of the decision-makers themselves.

I'm surprised that so many people are jumping to conclusions with very little if any knowledge of what the situation is. This is a private matter between an employee and an employer. This is likely a legal matter. To blindly demand action with such lack of understanding (i.e. little information/reason etc) is simply premature, and possibly irresponsible. How can we demand action when we haven't received proper info? Demand info (not sure how much we can get through a legal process) - that's the first step... not blindly petitioning action. Then make reasonable decisions and act/don't act. I will reserve signing this and reserve judgement until more info is presented. I encourage others to do the same.

Earlier this morning, I phoned the Office of the Cardinal ans spoke with a lady who may be His Eminence's secretary or executive assistant. I informed her that I have an email to His Eminence. She indicated that the Cardinal is aware of this matter. I urge her to notify His Eminence of the consequences of this matter, that I do not wish to see the TV cameras at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica this Sat or Sunday, that this situation could drive donors, alumni and supporters away which may become challenging to regain, that in short, the current situation may become "explosive", that although I do not encourage and have been informing individuals to continue to singing, the TV stations and media will have an audience capturing day if they report this matter resulting in a very unfortunate situation where all or a very significant number of choir boys fall ill. I urge her to inform His Eminence that notwithstanding that His Eminence is very busy, this matter warrants his immediate attention. After reading the ongoing comments, with respect, it is my humble submission that the Archdiocese has no alternative, but to decisively and swiftly take the necessary steps to change the Senior Administration at the Music Office at SMCS.

Ex student here. Doc, as we used to call him, was by far the most accomplished choral master at that school, and still should be. No one made us sing like Doc, no one exuded passion like he did for the music. The school should be treasuring every year they can get out of him. Whoever made this decision was clearly uninformed, and should revoke it immediately. I'm beyond shocked at this news. Hopefully they come to their senses.

firing Doc is a huge mistake.

Die Eltern auch sollten unterschreiben. Bitte!

@ Anonymous Parent- well said! FYI, (as it was asked) , my late husband was pianist, John Arpin- who performed several concerts with the choir school or for fundraisers and fully appreciated Dr. Cichocki who followed through too on his funeral wishes (after visits to our home when he was dying) to conduct at his funeral and with specific works of his requests. He fully appreciated the level of musicianship that Dr. Cichocki has and is modeling for all the others who he leads.

A short-sighted decision

At least give us the reason why he left

9 years ago Featured

Jerzy Cichocki has dedicated his life's work to the students and the fulfillment of the mission of SMCS. He does not deserve to be treated in such an insensitive and appalling way - reinstate him, please, to his position at the school.

I am an alumni parent and I strongly support Doc and all the life dedication and hard work he has sacrificed for the boys and the entire St. MIke's choir family.

Trying to envision SMCS without doc is very worrying, just imagine TFC without Bradley, how can you succeed without your captain?

Having known Dr. J Cichocki for numerous years and having been able to attend various musical productions which he conducted, I was always pleased to hear the high level of musicality as well as precision produced by the performers. Therefore, it was a total shock to find out that Dr. J. Cichocki has been dismissed from his role as Principal Conductor of the St Michael Choir School. It is unbelievable to realize that a highly qualified person who enjoyed a long and positive experience at the school, be dismissed in such a manner. His numerous degrees, multiple activities and dedication, for his kraft at the school, do not allow such lack of consideration. This unfortunate decision ought to be revoked to allow him to continue in the field that he loves. Please reconsider. Thank you.

Been keeping up with this whole fiasco. I'm disappointed with the school; SMCS started a downhill spiral when I was in Gr. 11 (at least with the academic side). Five years later, this ship's still sinking. And to think the music side is failing too! If Doc leaves, count me out from going to any concerts, masses, Tenebrae, and other SMCS events. Class of 2014