Dear Editor:

In the recent article entitled “Mission Statement Discussed at Town Hall Meeting,” The Pioneer seriously misinterpreted President Bridges’s comments and position on the future of the Whitman College Department of Music. The article implied that according to the President performance would no longer remain a vital part of the music curriculum.

The College and the Music Department are strongly committed to continuing to maintain a balance between the performance and academic aspects of the program. The department will continue to offer the long-standing performance, jazz and academic tracks. Performance is an integral part of any reputable collegiate music program and curriculum. Performance will always play a foundational role in Whitman’s Department of Music.

While having so many members of a department retire simultaneously clearly signals change, replacements for all faculty who are departing have been recruited or are being recruited. The future of the music department will be built on the strengths of the past and present combined with the fresh ideas of new faculty––––and the future looks bright.

Sincerely,

George S. Bridges, President

Timothy Kaufman-Osborn, Provost and Dean of Faculty

Susan E. Pickett, Catharine Chism Professor of Music and Chair, Department of Music