Dear Editor:
It was with interest that we read outgoing Capilano University president Kris Bulcroft’s responses to our concerns about the sudden closure of the Community Music School, especially “About a year ago, we decided community music school – although we’re very proud of it – is not really our core mission.”
Parents and students were only informed by the university of the decision on April 19, with the instructors and program co-ordinator receiving their official notice the previous evening. No consultation occurred and no advance notice was given of discussions taking place, internally or externally. Her acknowledgment that the decision was actually taken a year ago and withheld from Cap colleagues and instructors, the community at large and music school students and parents is highly disrespectful. We look forward to incoming president Paul Dangerfield, although the start of his term on Oct. 1 may too late to save the Community Music School.
A clarification on enrolment: The article referred to the children’s music school in spring semester only (236 students). For fall and winter terms, adult classes are also held and so the total numbers are higher (children’s classes are divided into three terms in line with the public school semesters and holidays). Fall 2015 enrolment was 424 and winter 2016, 389 students.
The sudden announcement of the closure is extremely disappointing for those most impacted by the decision. Cap has a duty to consult on programming changes. The president continues to say that the North Shore to has a variety of options.
This is not true; curriculum-based early music education in group settings is not offered elsewhere. Small group classes are also offered, as well as adult education, by experienced, highly regarded teachers. The level and quality of instruction is not duplicated by any other organization. Many personal stories of the impact of the Community Music School have been shared in the comments to our Change.org petition, a link can be found on our Facebook page SaveCapUCMS.
A request was made by parents to be added to the May senate and board of governors meeting agendas. The senate request was refused, with an explanation that the president is delegated the authority to make operational decisions on behalf of the board. And the board meeting was cancelled. Further, this executive decision is counter to the collective agreement; program changes and closures require consultation among faculty and co-ordinators involved.
No explanation has been provided for the cancellation of a program that was profitable and contributed to the university in many ways, including financial. Meanwhile, the university continues to offer non-credit Continuing Studies programming.
Classroom space for university music courses is already given priority.
Justin O’Donohue and Jen Yamazaki, classroom instructors, have invited the director of Continuing Studies and Executive Education Karmen Blackmore and the president to this Saturday’s classes. This would be a wonderful opportunity for them to see first hand the value of music education, and the impact of their decision to end it.
Although we understand that the core mission of the university is undergraduate degree programs, a broader mission is the promotion of the arts in the community. It is unfortunate that Cap administration and governance has continued to distance itself from this role.
Kim Branch, Nick Boudin, Lindsay Davidson and
Annwen Loverin
Parents of Community Music School students
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