Poor
Housing for Jazz Professors
To
the Editors:
I was quite surprised to read the letter in your last Perspectives
section by Professor Peek that suggested Nancy Dye’s $1 million
bonus was not enough. Professor Peek rationalizes that she should
have gotten a “more competitive” offer as compared to
other college presidents. Well, I say it’s completely ridiculous
to keep Nancy Dye’s salary competitive while everything else
at this college no longer stays competitive due to lack of funding!!
Our programs and administration might become substandard without
the necessary funds, but at least Nancy is not suffering, her wages
will still be competitive. While she’s kicking up her heels
and securing her financial future, the rest of the college is going
to hell. For example, two of my instructors as a jazz studies major
are Professor Gary Bartz, Jazz Saxophone and Professor Billy Hart,
Jazz Drums. These are two of the greatest jazz musicians in the
world, without question. They fly into town on a regular basis to
teach lessons because they are still active in the today’s
jazz scene. The house that the College/Conservatory has provided
for them has no heat, no bathtub, and no television. When Mr. Bartz
stays there he does not have a standard bed to sleep on. He must
use a pull-out sofa bed. This is worse than the average dorm room!!
If these sort of conditions continue, I don’t see why these
professors would continue to teach here, when, first of all, they
are taking time out of their active careers as musicians and second
of all, they could teach at a much more conveniently located school,
such as the various renowned jazz institutions in NYC. I say Nancy
Dye should decline to accept her bonus until the school’s
financial state improves and my professors at least have decent
living conditions. If she doesn’t, she should at least let
my professors stay in one of her lavish guest rooms at her house.
–John
Churchman
Double-Degree sophomore
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