My name is Amanda Richer and I am a junior at Bemidji State University. I have recently heard the news that Peter Gepson is in a situation where he could lose his position as high school band director at Albert Lea. Let me express that I think that would be a huge mistake.

I attended Triton High School in Dodge Center when Mr. Gepson was teaching there. He was my band director from eighth to 12th grade. He was honestly the best teacher I’ve ever had in all my years of schooling. I have had several other band directors in honor bands, band camps, All-State band and college bands. You have the best of the best — don’t lose him. I accomplished many things in my high school years and some of my college years playing my trumpet, and I can tell you, none of it would have been possible without Mr. Gepson.

Mr. Gepson is the most committed teacher I’ve ever had. He used to stay after school and give me lessons for free. He used to show up every morning an hour before school to teach two jazz bands for free. He is in it for the education of the students, and we saw that at Triton every day, and I’m sure the students at Albert Lea see it, too.

Mr. Gepson was definitely my role model all through high school. He pushed me to do things I never thought I could do as a musician. He can bring bands to new levels and I’ve seen it personally. If you want what’s best for your band students, you want Mr. Gepson teaching them.

Please do whatever you can to keep this teacher. You won’t regret it. I completely understand what’s going on with the economy, and I can imagine how hard it must be. But if there’s any opportunity for you to have Mr. Gepson teach at your school, take it!

Thank you for reading this and I hope something works out.

Amanda Richer

Bemidji