I have recently heard about Albert Lea’s plans to make cuts to the music program and as a result of such cuts, losing Mr. Peter Gepson. While I am not a parent in the Albert Lea School District, I am a parent in the Triton School District where Mr. Gepson worked previously.

I can tell you that losing Mr. Gepson would be a huge mistake and a big loss for your program. Mr. Gepson is the one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever seen. He cares more about his students and their success.

One of my children was fortunate enough to be a student of his while he was at Triton, and I speak from firsthand experience how he can push kids and make them dream and accomplish things they never thought possible. He was able to have our senior high band performing college pieces well beyond their “age level.” This was a process years in the making, beginning when some of these students were only beginning their band experience.

Changing band directors yet again at Albert Lea would be another huge disruption in your kids’ band program, and they will never reach their full potential without some consistency. You will not find a better band director or a better teacher for that than Mr. Gepson. I find it extremely heartwarming to see the Albert Lea kids fighting to keep their teacher. Should that not speak volumes in and of itself?

Besides all the wonderful awards and accolades our Triton band and individual students received under the direction of Mr. Gepson (and there were many), the most important thing he taught these kids was to believe in themselves, step outside their comfort zones, work hard, and good things will happen, which are more than just “band” skills, those are life skills. Find a way to keep Mr. Gepson in your program and you and your students will not regret that decision. It has been three years since Mr. Gepson left Triton, and he is still greatly missed by students, parents and other Triton staff. Albert Lea, do what is in the best interest of your students and your music program, keep Mr. Gepson!

Sara Huntley

Dodge Center