Dear Editor,
On behalf of many of the music students, orchestra members?and community of the D.C. area, I would like to make it known to the rest of the AU community that our beloved orchestra director, Manuel Berard, did not receive tenure. We are working on appealing this decision, but the process has not been easy. The administration has been difficult, and not welcoming of our opinions. Manny has brought the university orchestra up to such a high level. When he arrived at AU, the orchestra was very small and not anywhere near the level of the orchestra today.
This issue is something very near to our hearts, and we would hate to watch him go. We plan to take action right away. We will not take no for an answer. We will do anything and everything in our power to keep Manny at AU. He deserves it and he has earned it. Not only that, but the University should focus more on what the students want — they have proven the opposite. It is?our?tuition,?our education and?our?needs. During my time at AU, I have had the opportunity to get to know Manny for almost two years now. Manny has been an inspiration to me and has motivated me to continue playing the flute. Not only that, but his Cuban and Spanish background are something I can relate to myself, being of a similar background. Professor Berard is not only a valuable member of our AU community, but of the D.C. community. He is well established here, being the conductor of the D.C. Youth Orchestra, as well. If we lose him, chances are those kids will lose Manny, too.?
Not only does this issue touch on injustice towards the students, but injustice towards Professor Berard himself. The tenure process is a very delicate one and can be complicated, but in any case the students should have a say in what happens. We are the ones who are directly affected by this problem and will suffer the results of this poorly-made decision. We would like to invite the AU community to take part in this effort. We want to save the music program at AU and we need your help.?We would like to invite anyone who has in any way been touched by Manny to take action. If you have attended an orchestra concert, if you were a student in one of Professor Berard’s courses ... speak up, be heard.
Gabriela Febres Junior, College of Arts and Sciences
