Putnam County Charter School System Board of Education and Superintendent Eric Arena:
We wanted to thank you for your investment in music education for the Putnam County School System, and in particular, for the investment in Putnam Middle School over the last couple of years. As eighth graders finishing middle school, both of our kids were able to participate in band. At the spring concert last week, it was terrific to see how the whole group across 6th, 7th, and 8th grade had progressed - well done to all of the soloists and everyone who played! Bravo! It was also such a nice surprise this year to have them get nice, new instruments so no one had the hassle or financial burden of renting. Thank you!
A very big and special thank you to Robert Seymour, the band director, who has done a wonderful job inspiring these kids and advocating for music education. These last couple of years have been tough on everyone, but especially for educators and school administrators. Mr. Seymour truly went above and beyond last year when our kids were doing virtual school. Our daughter was interested in band, but didn’t know how she could get involved since she was doing school from home. Mr. Seymour offered to teach her to play the saxophone virtually. And he did! He has been a cheerleader and passionate champion for getting kids into the band, even putting together a jazz band because there was interest, and taking the kids to play for the residents and staff at Eatonton Health & Rehabilitation. At the spring concert, he was quick to spread the credit around, so I’ll also thank PCMS Administration: Jeff Holloway, Brian Patrick, and Monica Macklin, and PCMS Office Staff: Ms. DeLoach, Ms. Hewette, Ms. Mathis, Ms. Moreland, Dr. Specht, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Williams, Ms. Mullis, Mr. Clower and the Custodial Staff.
So grateful that there is a willingness to invest beyond athletics in something as life-changing as music. While the kids taking band may not choose music as a career, they have learned invaluable life skills around the power of persistence, practice, teamwork, and collaboration...and maybe even a little Bach along with Funky Town and Star Wars!
With appreciation,
Paige and David Erickson