Dear Parents and Friends,

We're working diligently with Mr. Cloyd to continue the growth and advancement of the Instrumental Music program in the 2009-2010 academic year.  Changes are being made in the Band Room, in the management processes of the program, and in the structure of Keynoter support and activities.

This very page will be changing in the weeks to come.  Considerable thought and effort has gone into a renewed focus on providing rewarding volunteer opportunities, along with the support and recognition our volunteers deserve.  There are many levels of involvement, degrees of talent to be called upon, and easy jobs that anyone can do. Simply put, we need the help, and you already have the ability required.

Experience has shown that most people really want to help, and really mean to do so, but often don't recognize the opportunity or know how to get involved.  There will be signup sheets available at most IM and Keynoter functions.  We'll be posting the same information on the website, and sending out some requests via email.  The students (our kids) are very well aware of the few volunteers that do most of the work during the year.  They're not as aware of the less visible contributions of others, and there are plans to highlight those efforts better.  Please help everyone make the Instrumental Music program even better, and give all the students a chance to point to their family members as participants in the effort.

Monte Vista is exceedingly fortunate to have Ed Cloyd as Director of Instrumental Music!  It's impossible to adequately describe his musical and teaching talents, and his rapport with all the students is truly exceptional.  The Executive Board has great confidence in Mr. Cloyd, the school administration is supportive, and he's building a program with a long term vision.

The ongoing financial situation with education funding in California, however, is taking an increasing toll.  Parents should be aware that funding isn't the only issue.  High school music programs cannot be successful without middle school programs, and those are built on the introduction of music to elementary aged children.  The continued threat of reduction or elimination of those programs, coupled with little job security due to projected annual layoff episodes, makes Mr. Cloyd's work much more difficult than many perceive.  Keynoters is not a political organization, but we will do our best to keep everyone informed as this situation continues.

There will be the usual ups and downs this year, more budget trouble, and lots of talking about all of it.  The students have something more important in mind everyday - their future.  Let's make the effort they deserve, and give them the support we owe them.  Enough people, making a concerted effort, with real commitment can accomplish great things.  There's actually a lot of fun to be had while we tackle the challenges ahead this year!

Have fun with us,

Bob Collyar
Keynoter President
collyar@gmail.com