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

Allow me to speculate that in the event that there is a difference in opinion and vision of how SMCS should be, that is, to continue the legacy of its founder and its objectives versus the apparent "new vision" of the Senior Administration of SMCS, we should consider the history, the contributions and dedication of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki, how long will SMCS be able to benefit from his knowledge, experience and expertise (if he had stayed or if will be reinstated) versus the Senior Administration (another issue to consider is who is more difficult to replace). With respect, I believe that His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins is very busy with his other obligations and responsibilities, and therefore, may not have been fully informed about the effects and consequences of this matter. This phrase from several years ago, reminds me of one individual in this incident: "If you do not like xxxxxxx, you can leave." About 4 or 5 years ago, when it was the last time I attended a financial meeting at SMCS, and saw the audited financial statements. Amongst others, I said at that meeting, if SMCS can retain ten of those students who left that year, or able to find about ten to replace those departing students, it will be close to eliminating the annual deficit that year.

This is classic SMCS. New guard slowly and systematically dismantling the old guard. Over 600 signatures from people who don't even have the whole story. That alone should tell you the legacy Doc has established. He has more musical knowledge and talent in his left pinky compared to the rest of you. The school has been fortunate to have him this long. Clearly, the student body, parents and alumni deserve at least an explanation. Mr. Hadrigan's letter was curt and unprofessional, and not surprisingly, has gotten everyone in a tizzy. Let cooler heads prevail and fix this disaster. You'll surely be sorry if you do in fact show this man the door; many will follow.

I wonder why the notification came just a few days after Christmas? Having experienced a similar blunt, breathtaking shock, just two days after Christmas, I am all the more convinced that full disclosure with complete transparency is the very least to which Dr. Cichocki is entitled. Indeed, we all deserve fair play; to be let go in the middle of the season--just three days post Christmas--does not bode well for those who have the power to take such unsavoury action. Perhaps the "powers that be" hoped that a simple, two-line email might go unnoticed. Dr. Jerzy Cichocki deserves better. Let's hope that it is forthcoming.

Dr. Cichocki was always my favourite conductor. He was a superb teacher.

Great loss!

Baffling decision. Would appreciate a full explanation.

I can not know the reason for the dismissal of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki, because I can not fathom a valid reason. After participating at the recent Christmas concert with the alumni, I said to a fellow alumnus, that this was fun and the audience loved it, but I hope it isn't a sign of the Choir School moving further away from its roots, "sacred choral music", to appease some "politically correct" movement to secularity. I may be wrong but it appears to me that the dismissal of Jerzy points in that direction. It's fine and dandy to entertain, but the Choir School's main purpose from the beginning was to serve the "sacred" musical needs of the Liturgy at the Cathedral. That was Mgsr. Ronan's vision and should still be the main focus of the school. As mentioned by others, Jerzy has fulfilled his duties to the stated mission of the Choir School and St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica with tremendous and overwhelming success and yet, no valid reason for his dismissal has been given. And the manner and timing of this dismissal is appalling to say the least. I would most humbly suggest to Cardinal Collins, that an immediate investigation into the reasoning behind this dismissal be initiated. And if no valid reason exists, then Dr. Jerzy Cichocki should be offered re-instatement and the parties responsible for this fiasco be dismissed themselves. Michael Bokulic Class of 1975

As on '08 alumni I truly believe Dr. Cichocki was a staple in SMCS student development. I am shocked and confused by the administration's decision to let him go and would urge the school to reconsider. His years of dedication to the school and role alone should be cause enough to reconsider.

Dr. Cichocki's work commands the highest respect from his peers.

Dr.Jerzy was a nice conductor, all the kids loved him, I would like him back at St.michaels

Sadly typical of so much that is wrong with music in the Church in Canada.

As a proud graduate, I am concerned that the choir school’s ‘look to the future’ may be compromised by cutting off some valuable roots from the past. As a church musician, I am disappointed by the decision to remove a superb educator of sacred music from the choir school. As a member of the archdiocese, I am disappointed in how and when their employee Dr. Cichocki was apparently released from his duties. He deserves so much better after so many years of faithful service. Henry Remiz (Class of ’77)

Dr. Cichocki has been a formative influence in the development of many of the choir school's distinguished alumni, is a gifted conductor and has an encyclopedic knowledge of choral music and Catholic liturgy. I can't imagine what would justify his sudden dismissal in the middle of the academic year; is the school administration prepared to give a public explanation of this extraordinarily harsh action?

Shocked and saddened .The tone of the letter was offensive to all the Alumni.Dr. Chiocki is without a doubt one of the most prestigious proponent of Catholic liturgical music .He has given his life from grade school to more than the last twenty five years to St. Michael's Choir School.What has transpired is not part of John Edward Ronan's legacy.

Heard about this from my brothers Peter and Leslie, they are very upset. Deplorable the way this has been handled! What has happened to SMCS? The backlash will be a tsunami. I am outraged !

9 years ago Featured

Dr. Cichocki from what I have heard and experienced secondhand as a parent of a past St Michael's Choir School student is a great mentor to the students at the school. The music program will be severely diminished by his absence. Please reverse this decision.

A great man with a great vision!

I was floored by this. This is not how you treat someone who has dedicated his life and work to the school in the way that Jerzy Cichocki has done. Please make this right.

Having seen my surname used in a previous comment, I feel it necessary to state my position on this matter. I am appalled, but not surprised, as another long term member of the staff was fired "without cause" in the same unconscionable and mean spirited manner, just a few years ago. I was a colleague of Jerzy Cichocki's for over twenty years. My love for the Choir School, the students, and administration, was shared by most. I am sad and disheartened at what the "Choir School family" is now experiencing, because of the lack of understanding of " Man for others". Jerzy embodies the principles of excellence, generosity, and musical genius on which the school was founded. He will never equalled. A very sad turn of events,indeed