Save Our Conservatory

I have met and stood in awe of many violinist cellist and pianist that mount royal has fostered. None of this is possible without the faculty to support these programs.

The terminations of John Kadz and Bill Van Der Sloot are foolish and destructive and must be reversed.

Plenty of people much more qualified than myself will attest to Bill van der Sloot's and John Kadz's merits, and rightfully so. Therefore, I don't feel the need to address their reputation and value in this comment. Instead, I anticipate that MRU will cite financial concerns in defense of these dismissals (particularly in the context of the current economic climate), and I want to be sure that everybody reading these letters/comments and signing these petitions are aware that this is a fallacy. The Conservatory has been largely self-sufficient. It brings in loads of external revenue through its extensive fundraising efforts, and keeps itself running through resourceful, responsible management of its operations. Don't make the Conservatory an easily-accepted scapegoat, and don't let these men lose their jobs over unfounded assumptions about the viability of the arts in Calgary. And, make no mistake - by firing these two men, Mount Royal University stands to lose relationships with countless private donors, renowned guest artists (as well as their consistently sold-out performances at Mount Royal), current faculty, virtually any prospective faculty, its highly successful and proud alumni, and - most importantly - its students. If you've been led to believe that these decisions are a simple matter of cost, you need to understand that this will be the enormous price of the meagre pennies saved.

So sad to see what is happening. Your program will never be the same if these two people are removed.

The Conservatory offers Mount Royal a true differentiator compared to its competitors in the city. Where else will students find such first-rate programs? I am a proud product of the fantastic training received at Mount Royal, and I agree that without the likes of Mr. van der Sloot and Mr. Kadz, Mount Royal would not be on any map. Besides, without the talented students of the Conservatory, who is going to use that incredible concert hall? Please reconsider this decision. Oliver Munar, tenor

It is absolutely imperative that you not let the Conservatory go.

How shortsighted of the senior MRU admin! Their resignation should be demanded.

support Mr.John Kadz and Mr. Bill van der Sloot and Programs!

Dear Ladies and Gentelmen of the Board of Governors of MRU, I am Concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic, a position I have held for 4 years. Previous to moving to Calgary, I worked and lived in several culturally-rich cities including New York City and Cleveland, Ohio. When I was offered the position in Calgary, I was at first reluctant-- I knew that the city was thriving on a certain level, but what mattered most to me was that the arts and music scene was robust and thriving. During my trial week in Calgary, I learned about the Conservatory at MRU, the Academy, Morningside Music Bridge, and the APP program at the Mount Royal Conservatory. Then I realized that some of the very best musicians I have known in the international music community have been trained in Calgary. It astonishes me that one of the cultural gems of Calgary, really one of the few facets of our artistic community that puts Calgary "on the map" in an international way could be disappearing. This decision seems unbelievably short sighted. If not for these programs, and Bill van der Sloot and John Kadz, very few musicians on the international stage would even be aware of Calgary as a major center. If we lose this, we become just another average size city with an average arts scene. Is this what we want for ourselves? I have had the honor and privilege of working with many of Mr. Kadz and Mr. Van der Sloot's students. Their level continues to astonish me, and is on par with the best young students in the most major musical centers. Please please reconsider this shortsighted action. Diana Cohen, violinist

John Kadz and Bill van der Sloot can NOT be replaced. They are the very heart of the Academy program. Please take time to consider the ramifications of these latest detrimental decisions. Read and pay attention to the comments that are coming through on the petitions.

I know and work with people that credit Bill Van der Sloot for the successful and celebrated musicians that they have become just as I owe my musical career to my own mentors. It's a shameful disgrace that a man who has influenced and inspired so many can be dismissed thusly.

I am appalled to learn of this latest decision by Mt. Royal administration. Rather than embracing the long tradition of excellence and leadership provided to Calgary's music community, they seem intent on dismantling this internationally recognized program. Mt. Royal U. Admin. doesn't seem to understand the important role Arts play in a university and continue to operate as a community college.

As a professor of cello at Northwestern university I have had extensive knowlegde of the Fantastic Music Program at Mount Royal College. John Kadz is without question one of the most outstanding cello teachers in North America. Firing a teacher right before School start without giving a warning to the students is one of the most reprehensible acts that I have ever seen. It should in my opinion be an illegal act with a very serious consequence. Bill Van der Sloot is one of the most outstanding Directors and violin teachers that I know. Firing him as the Manager of the program is very short sighted and shows a very pure judgment. Over the years I have taught numerous times at Mount Royal College and have always been astonished at the very high level of the students. Manny of those students are now in leadership position in major Orchestras in the US and Canada Including the Concert Master of the Metropolitan Opera and Principal Cellist of the Detroit Symphony who was previously a member for 7 years of the New York Philharmonic. Who ever is responsible for these desisions is in my opinion not fit for being in charge of the music program at Mount Royal College. Sincerly Hans Jensen Professor Northwestern University

For Shame!!!!

Both John and Bill are great teachers and the heart of Mount Royal music program.Can't imagine how such a dismissal is possible. Beyond imagination ! Mustn't let it happen.

I am shocked and saddened to hear about the termination of John Kadz and Bill van der Sloot at the Royal Conservatory, this is a huge loss to all the faculty and students.

It truly baffles me as to why the university would deem it appropriate to make such a decision in the first place (also with such late notice). Both Mr. van der Sloot and Mr. Kadz are exceptional and irreplaceable teachers to the conservatory. These actions only showcase the unprofessionalism of the administration and would do nothing but greatly undermine the credibility of the university as an educational facility.

I have learnt so much through this program and it is unbelievable that this problem is happening.

My training as a musician began in earnest at MRC and I would not have attended the RNCM or have an international career as a profession musician had it not been for the very programme that is being stripped of its leadership and talent. This is exceedingly short sighted and will have a lasting and considerable impact on the cultural health of Calgary, Alberta and Canada.

This is ridiculous. Music is such an important unifying aspect of life and is an asset to any university or Collage. Thus is absurd bring it back and give them their jobs back