On April 23 I wrote that I had been asked to postpone my retirement and stay on one more year as Director of the School of Music. I was OK with that. Now we are deep into necessary budget cuts, and the University is encouraging longtime faculty to retire so their position can be de-funded and not refilled. So now I have agreed, for the good of the cause, to go ahead after all and retire August 31.
This is not a case of the captain going down with the ship, but instead calculated sacrifices to keep as many crew still on board as possible. It looks as though three full-time music faculty will be joining me in a graceful exit. Gratitude to them and many thanks for everyone’s patience and dedication.
Wait — not refill the director position?! Dr. Joey Martin has agreed to serve two years as Interim Director of the School of Music. I will do whatever I can to help him and the School of Music continue to thrive as best they can in the face of the challenges still ahead. TC
Music is Essential.