By now everyone will have heard that I will be leaving at the end of the 2004-2005 school year. This decision was very difficult, and "Mrs. P" and I spent a lot of time talking about it and trying to make the best decision for both of us. In the end, we decided that it was time for a change, for both of us. We will be moving to Colorado sometime in July, where I will be taking over the band program at Canon City High School in Canon City, Colorado.

The search is on for a new director for Paint Branch. Ms. Dixon and I have spoken about the position and I have made some recommendations, and I know she will do her best to find the right person for the position. Many of the details for the summer and some of the logistics for marching band in the fall may need to change, so I hope that everyone will be patient.

Whoever is hired, I hope that everyone will welcome him (or her) and trust them to do a good job. It will not be the same; that doesn't mean it won't be good, and it could be even better than before. Whoever it is will have different strengths than I have, and that may be just what the program needs. Above all, remember this--YOU are the band and orchestra. The director is important, but it is your hard work and dedication that have made the program what it is today.

I will be leaving contact information so that we can all keep in touch. I want to know what's going on with everyone...how you are, where you are going to college, who dropped their trumpet mouthpiece in the middle of the concert, things like that. You have all been a big part of our lives for the last six years, and it is a time I will truly treasure. I hope that a little part of me will stay with you, as well.

Play well, practice hard, and do the very best you can. And remember that I really mean it when I say "I love you all."

Mr. P