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

So shocked! Brilliant conductor!

Love the Choir. Please reinstate.

All I know is that Jerzy is trying to uphold the stated values of St. Michael's Choir School. Definitely worth fighting for. Michael, class of 1998.

Dr. Jerzy Cichocki (affectionately known as "Doc") at St. Michael's Choir School ("SMCS") is not only able, competent, dedicated, the most experienced and knowledgeable, and passionate conductor, but the "Man, Face and Spirit" of SMCS. Without Doc, SMCS will never be the same. Accordingly, I pray and hope, and strongly urge Cardinal Thomas Collins and the Archdiocese of Toronto, to reinstate Dr. Jerzy Cichoki to his former position as the Artistic Director and the Principal Conductor of SMCS, without any loss of seniority and pension. I believe that Doc is able, willing and ready, to continue the steps and legacy of his mentors, Monsignor Ronan and Ms. Kathleen Mann.

I am baffled and shocked by this decision. It's hard to imagine anyone else as dedicated and devoted to SMCS and his role as conductor as Doc.

9 years ago Featured

This is truly shocking. Within the spirit of fairness and accountability, the impact of such actions need to be considered with full transparency and in consultation with the entire choir school family BEFORE final decisions are made.

I will keep my thoughts to myself at this time, but please know that you have my support with this initiative.

The passion of Doc is obvious to any who were lucky to be his student.

This simply makes no sense. The doc is simply irreplaceable based on his musical expertise and passion for leturgical music.

9 years ago Featured

I am still so shocked that Dr. Cichocki was let go. He dedicated 25+ years of service to our church and helped many of my own friends discover their passion for sacred music. I wish him the best and hope that our new administration rethinks this rash decision.

Unbelievable. The manner in which this was presented was extremely unprofessional and has sent the Choir School community into a chaotic rage. Doctor Cichocki is incomparably the most dedicated teacher (or employee, for that matter) I have personally witnessed, and has expertise in the subject area like no other. Simply put, this is a crushing loss for the Choir School and the matter must be reconsidered.

I am shocked and saddened by this news. I think the school owes the SMCS community an explanation as to why they took these very serious measures. To do otherwise is unacceptable. I also agree that the school will never be the same without Doc.

This is unacceptable!! Not welcoming news for our boys during the Christmas season. Smarten up Administration-- our boys work so hard and deserve accomplished, hard working and genuine undividuals like Doc!!

Domine labia mea aperies ... St. Michael's Choir School has a specific mission and purpose - to provide choral music for St. Michael's Cathedral, to safeguard and promote the tradition of sacred polyphony and Gregorian Chant in the Catholic Church, and to create a resource and standard for parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto in the development of their own music programs. This is especially important in an era where Vatican documents about music in the liturgy - such as "Sacrosanctum Concilium" - are ignored, and our rich Catholic musical tradition and history is disregarded. Unlike other staff members, Dr. Jerzy Cichocki has centered and focused his career at St. Michael's Choir School around the continuation of this tradition and the pursuit of excellence; no one will ever be as dedicated to ensuring that the school stays true to its purpose. In contrast, the current administration seems to be ignorant of why the school exists. Additionally, Dr. Cichocki is a brilliant musician and teacher. His knowledge of repertoire and music history is boundless, his interpretations are musical, and he is able to engage a group of (usually distracted) teenagers. Most importantly, he has a deep understanding of the role of music in the liturgy. Dr. Cichocki has inspired me and my peers - he is the embodiment of excellence in music and music education. I strongly condemn the decision to dismiss him. In fact, I am disgusted by it.

I am baffled by this decision not only was he a conductor but he was like a father to the choir school they say we are all in the brotherhood but we need someone to lead us a father a great man and thats what Doc was

Respect the true hearted

Without public explanation, this is disgraceful. As an alumni, I'm appalled. Another black mark, implied scandal for the Choir School... echoes.

This was incredibly shocking.. He's not only an incredible conductor but he is a great man, he would always take the time to ask me how my day was going, and would always try and do what was best for the school.. I still have no words..

I am shocked and disgusted by this. Dr. Cichocki is an eminently qualified and exceptional musician with a long history at SMCS, a place to which he has devoted nearly half of his life. He has molded some of the finest alumni that have gone on to careers in music and has inspired countless students (myself included) to continue singing, playing, and conducting with church and community choirs long after their graduation. He deserves more than a mere five-line blurb in a mass letter, and parents, alumni, and students deserve an explanation for his sudden departure.

This is appalling, this new administration needs to rectify this mistake.