To the Editor:

This letter is in response to letters in the past few issues regarding the St. Ignace music program. There were letters written in regard to our Night of Jazz and another letter written last week complimenting the students during our New York trip.

Those letters were a joy to read and brought pride and honor to our program and students. The letters are proof of why this community is so great. The support this program and students have received in the last two years has been overwhelming.

The students, band boosters, and directors of this ever-growing department would like to take this opportunity to direct positive attention toward the community for your caring, love, and support. Our audiences are growing, our students are showing pride, and many people have been more than generous with their time, and in some cases, money.

Night of Jazz brought in more than $4,000 for our program. The businesses of this community and patrons really were a great aid. In the last five months, we've averaged one set of steel drums per month. This is an incredible fact. I would have never guessed that at the end of the year, or 6.5 months into the program, we would have 11 sets of drums. We are already beginning thoughts for next year's Night of Jazz. This event is formed as a social event rather than a band concert. We wish to give the community a reason to come together and relax and catch up with one another during these busy times. Kinks will be ironed out, and next year will be even better and smoother than this year's.

The New York trip was an amazing experience for the students this year. The culture the students were exposed to will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They have grown as people and have been an honor to work with. The entire trip was made possible by our chaperones. We had 12 adults for 42 students. What a great ratio. Attention should be given to them as well, giving up time and money to help guide our students through such a great experience.

The students have been equally surprising this year. They have come together as a group and family, assisting each other emotionally, musically, and even financially. A number of students helped raise funds for other students for New York. The maturity, friendship, and musicianship has been ever growing. The music department and Band Boosters feel that students, too, need to be recognized for making it a joy to work for them. The students are currently working toward the spring concert to be held Monday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m., as well as working on music for next year's half-time show: James Bond 007.

As always, we are aware that perfection is almost always impossible. The music department is always willing to hear positive criticism. Without it, we would never grow and exceed our current standards and expectations.

I do not expect my students to be perfect. I do, however, expect them to strive for perfection. For when they do, on their worst possible day, they are still true musicians and better human beings.

Jason Byma

Director of Music LaSalle High School

St. Ignace