Administration Caves; Choral Director Returns

This is an update to a post I made a week ago entitled "Director Resigns Over Administration Cowardice."

Vincent Oakes sent me an email tonight with the following news:

I read with great interest the article about the community college choir director in Michigan who resigned over the use of sacred music at graduation. I searched the internet for more information, and an article posted just last Friday provides a very interesting update to the story. It turns out that the director has since returned to the school after clarifying what the school president quickly identifies as "miscommunication."

What wonderful news!

I rarely hear about a choral director that is rehired after a problem with the administration. Perhaps I just cheer for the underdog, but I hope the administrator really suffered a political nightmare.

Here are a few quotes from the article:

This week, Mr. Tyner and school officials met again about the issue. They agreed that the type of music performed by the Agora Chorale during commencement ceremonies will be reviewed together.

"We are so pleased that Mr. Tyner has returned to Monroe County Community College," Dr. Nixon said in a prepared statement. "The college's administration recognizes that this misunderstanding could have been avoided had better communication taken place."

A single-page, five paragraph letter signed by both Dr. Nixon and Mr. Tyner is being sent to dozens of students. The letter dated Thursday explains the issue and misunderstanding with an announcement that Mr. Tyner is returning for his 10th year as director of the chorale.

"The college is sensitive to the constitutional balance that places limitations on college-sponsored activities," the letter said. "This is a situation where a misunderstanding provided an opportunity for greater understanding."

----

As part of their agreement, Mr. Tyner and college officials will research what types of music other colleges and universities perform at commencement ceremonies and other college-sponsored events. There are no restrictions - and never have been - on how he teaches music in the classroom. Historically, about 80 percent of music is based on religion, he said.

In his statement, Dr. Nixon said he is looking forward to the future with Mr. Tyner continuing his leadership of the chorale.

"We look forward to another wonderful season for the Agora Chorale at Monroe County Community College and many more to come."

Thanks for updating this story, Vic. I'm thrilled to hear that everything turned out well for Mr. Tyner.