We are deeply concerned to learn that New Albany High School is in the process of dismissing band director Aaron Lambert. Mr. Lambert has been a mentor to our children, and many alumni students. In our opinion, Mr. Lambert should be honored for his years of service and ongoing commitment rather than let go.

Not only is he a solid classroom teacher, but Mr. Lambert gives generously of his time and talent outside of class. On a competition day, for instance, it is not unusual for him to arrive at the school on a Saturday before dawn and not return until past midnight. Sometimes his teams have won state titles; sometimes they haven’t. Regardless, his enthusiasm never dampens.

Mr. Lambert does this despite a dearth of resources. It is not unusual for the band to have difficulty even finding a truck to haul its equipment to a competition, which shouldn’t be surprising for a school system that has closed schools and curbed extracurricular activities.