Save Our Conservatory

I would be interested in knowing 1)who decided to alter an extremely successful program and the personnel without consultation to determine financial solutions. 2) how the conservatory can be absorbed and therefore successful under the umbrella of continuing education when the mandates and philosophy of the two programs are so vastly different. Continuing Ed is for the group of learners for general interest and the conservatory is for the individual working on mastery of an instrument. 3)was the money from grants, donors, fund raisers, groups and councils and cultural groups donated to the conservatory to support the individual performer or shared by Continuing Ed as it must be financially "cost neutral" meaning the group of people must be large enough for the class to be offered and therefore should not have need of the conservatory funds.

Johanne, Je suis de tout coeur avec toi et John.

The Canadian Music Competition (CMC) was astonished and dismayed to learn of Mount Royal University’s decision to dismiss Mr. John Kadz and abolish Mr. Bill van der Sloot’s position. The MRU Conservatory is a long-time partner of the CMC – Calgary Chapter, host of many editions of the regional rounds over the years. The Calgary Chapter is the third largest CMC chapter in all of Canada. Over twenty MRU professors signed up their students for the Competition in 2016, and several of them—including Ms. Johanne Perron, who is also President of the CMC – Calgary Chapter—also sat on CMC juries. Of the 85 participants from Calgary this year, thirty-two MRU students qualified in the National Final. We would like to acknowledge the tangible contribution that Mr. John Kadz—an active member of the CMC – Calgary Chapter—has made to the development of classical music in Canada. The CMC would also like to express its support for professors John Kadz and Bill van der Sloot, as well as for the initiators of the petition addressed to the Members of the Board of Governors of Mount Royal University (MRU). The CMC hopes that MRU will reconsider its decision. Scaling back the involvement of an establishment like the MRU Conservatory, which is dedicated to excellence and to musical education, is not simply a step back in training for performers from Alberta but for all partners in the Canadian cultural community, of which the CMC is a part.

This is an incredible lack of foresight and a lack of understanding of how musicians are educated. They are not looking for the nicest facility; they are looking for top teachers.

What? Reinstate them or you'll lose them to a place where they'll be truly appreciated!!!

The Conservatory should be a top funding priority

With a grand new building, the Board should look at building the Conservatory by increasing full time staff to increase programs, revenues, etc., rather than just focussing on cutting costs. There is more than one way to balance a budget. There is no incentive for part-time/sessionals to put efforts into increasing programs, etc. since they have no financial incentive to do so, nor do they have the time on limited salaries.

Mount Royal is a brilliant institution and must be maintained and nurtured.

What a shame. Mount Royal had such a great reputation in music including a first-rate organ program. The organ program doesn't exist and it appears with the latest news that other programs may soon be in jeopardy as well.

Conservatory has world class teachers that you have let go. Does that mean you are lowering the standards as a second class institution

Extremely short sighted and not following your own mandate. Why dismantle a highly successful and recognized contribution to the university and the community? Sadly it appears politics and not youth development is the priority at this higher learning institution.

I am among the many students who have benefitted greatly from the guidance of Mr. Bill van der Sloot, Mr. John Kadz and the Academy Program for Gifted Youth over the years. The invaluable lessons imparted through these experiences stayed with us whether we pursued careers outside or within music, and I am grateful to have had access to such world-class instruction in Calgary. Mssrs. van der Sloot and Kadz have not only mentored renowned musicians, but also many grateful doctors, lawyers and academics as well. MRU is fortunate to be affiliated with their internationally-recognized reputations. It will be MRU's misfortune if Messrs. van der Sloot and Kadz take their expertise and renown to another institution.

"HELLO! HELLO! HELLO! IS THERE ANYBODY IN THERE?? JUST NOD IF YOU CAN HEAR ME IS THERE ANYONE AT HOME???" ~Pink Floyd -comfortably numb

I too am dismayed by these recent decisions. The Conservatory is Mount Royal's Crown Jewel. It is especially ironic that this should be happening just as the new concert hall is opened. It appears so short-sighted and based on a distorted sense of 'cost-savings.'

Absolutely unbelievable ! And just days before start up, aren't there laws against this sort of thing?

Something is terribly wrong...

I find this erosion of the quality of the Conservatory very disturbing. It seems shortsighted and damages the reputation of MRU. sincerely, Robert Bragg Professor Emeritus MRU

Both of these recently terminated musicians are superbly gifted teachers. It is a shame to lose them. They have made Calgary a major contributor to Canada's musical and artistic life.

Mount Royal is known for its music conservatory world wide. To slash funding in this area will discredit Mount Royal as a University!

MRU! Why in the world would you close another successful and prestigious music program?