AHS music boosters want teacher to be reinstated





By John Loesing
Acorn Staff Writer

Agoura High School music boosters want the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education to reconsider a decision to not renew the contract of music teacher Brandon Young, a first-year instructor.


More than 200 students participate in Agoura High’s wind ensemble, concert band, jazz bands, girls’ chorus, mixed chorus, orchestra and marching band. The school’s administration wants the marching band to assume a bigger role and feel that a different instructor could help lead the effort.


The boosters, however, supported Young and asked the board to change their vote in his favor.


"We want Mr. Young to continue next year as our band director," said Janna Hazard, a music parent.


The 40-member band currently performs at football games, but plays only while sitting in the stadium bleachers. Principal Larry Misel has recommended a bigger on-field production.


"What I’m now getting back from parents is we understand your decision and we want to move forward with this," Misel said. "I encouraged them to voice their concern."


The boosters said the marching band provides a good learning experience, but that they would prefer to keep the emphasis on classical and jazz music.


"The board is fully aware of their concerns," said Terilyn Finders, school board president.


Music parent Bicky Rippe told the board that children who aren’t good enough to play in the wind ensemble or expert jazz bands should have an opportunity to perform in other bands, not just the marching band.


"We want an open program where all the students can participate," she said.


Rippe is an administrative employee at Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills, whose award-winning music program serves as a feeder system to the high school.


Misel pointed out that the younger high school students who play in the marching band are given the opportunity to perform in the concert band during the second semester. Other opportunities are being developed as well, he said.


School officials and boosters are expected to meet during the coming weeks and work out their differences, but no action was taken concerning Young.


"The district will be more than happy to meet with the boosters and Mr. Misel about the future of the music program," said John Fitzpatrick, superintendent of schools.



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