Save Jeff Johnson

This letter is to address the transference of Mr. Jeff Johnson from the High School to Selkirk Junior High.

As students, former students, and colleagues of Mr. Johnson, we are extremely fortunate to have been taught by such a passionate musician, dedicated teacher and great friend. Having learnt from one of Manitobas best and finest band conductors, we have not only benefited from his teachings in a musical way, but most importantly, in a way that has impacted, and continues to impact, our life.

Mr. Johnson has been a part of this band program for 13 years. Not only has he created one of the few instrumental music major programs in Manitoba, he has been the sole individual in making this program as successful, effective and well-known as it is. By taking away Mr. Johnson, the band program here will cease to be known as one of the top in Canada. Moving him to a junior high is yet a further degradation to his musical skills and expertise.

Nowhere but a high school could his dedication to students be fully appreciated. This dedication and determination to always strive for excellence has affected every student that has passed through our school under his baton. Not only does Mr. Johnson need to continue teaching here and passing along knowledge for years to come, he has deserved the right to do so.

Upon saying all of this, we, the students, former students and colleagues of Mr. Johnson, urge you, the Lord Selkirk School Division Board, to please reconsider his transference and place him back in the rightful place he so treasures, as band teacher at the High School. Not doing so will only break down the band program he has worked so hard to achieve.

Attached is a listing of people whose lives have been affected by Mr. Jeff Johnson in one way, shape or form, as they passed under his baton, into his band room or gained from his expertise and knowledge.