Retain Stephen Brandt as Director of Choirs at Waukee High School

On Monday, March 6th, 2017, Waukee HS vocal music parents received an e-mail message from Mr. Stephen Brandt informing them that he would be resigning at the end of the school year.

According to the message sent by Mr. Brandt, "...this (sic Director of Choirs) opportunity has revealed deficiencies in my teaching practice. Students deserve a director who not only excels in rehearsals, but also as an organized department head. The entirety of Waukee vocal music demands a director who is a master at all aspects of teaching and has the experience of successfully running a comprehensive program."

This petition is a public statement to Mr. Brandt and the Waukee Administration that the vocal music community of Waukee Schools feels that his ability to teach vocal music is more important and far outweighs any deficiencies in organization and administration. These two attributes can be nurtured with proper guidance and mentoring. Teaching and connection with students are not so easily taught let alone mastered as Mr Brandt has so successfully done in his short time at Waukee schools.

Mr. Brandt has been teaching at Waukee High School for two years. He oversees a choral program of eight choirs (six academic choirs and two show choirs). The students in Mr. Brandt's choirs exhibit high levels of commitment and continue a constant work ethic in and out of the classroom. Students choose to enroll in choir and forego other academic and elective classes because of Mr. Brandt.

Mr. Brandt values each student in his care and fosters an environment with high levels of mutual respect between himself and his students. The support the students have for one another is evidence of this respect.

The vocal excellence produced by Mr. Brandt in his choirs is phenomenal. High rankings have been given to his show choir the past two seasons. His A Capella choir has performed numerous times with outside choirs, evidence of the high quality music they project.

According to Total Choir Resources (.http://www.totalchoirresources.com/what-makes-a-great-choir-leader-2/) the five most important attributes of a good choir director are: (1)Good Communicator/Build Rapport, (2)Approachable to your singers, (3)Well-prepared rehearsal plan, (4)Understanding your students as singers, and (5)Fun and Inspiring. This list does not include organizational skills.

Again, the vocal music community of Waukee schools wishes the very best to Mr. Stephen Brandt and hopes this petition gives him needed support.