The stage was set. Musicians prepared. Then without a word, the concert was canceled, and the conductor was nowhere to be seen.
In a Nov. 19 news release, San Juan College announced the cancellation of the concert scheduled for before Thanksgiving break. There would be no mention of the dismissal of Teun Fetz, conductor and director of instrumental music.
“Dr. Teun Fetz has resigned his position as associate professor of music with San Juan College. The college cannot provide further comment, as it is a personnel matter,” said college Executive Vice President Edward DesPlas in a statement sent to Tri-City Record on Nov. 26.
At Monday’s largely attended board meeting, Nicholle Liessman with the faculty association gave a monthly update with emphasis on the resignation.
Liessman said she was not informed by administration of the resignation and read the news in a Tri-City Record article published Nov. 20.
“I would like to specifically address the lack of communication and guidance from those in a position of leadership,” she said. “I had no idea that my co-pilot for faculty association was not even in the same plane as I was anymore.”
Liessman’s colleagues also found out through social media, while others were informed in committee meetings, she said.
“Others found out when students came to them in panic, asking for guidance,” she said. “I repeat, they came to us in panic.”
Liessman asked the board how faculty members could assist students when they are also unaware of the situation.
Some students found out about the cancellation through email only to learn of the rescheduled date with no answers to their questions about Fetz, Liessman said.
“Community members have also reached out to various staff and faculty seeking clarity,” she said. “I do hope we learn from this unfortunate experience, because I hope that our goal here is to make students less stressed about any class or campus experience.”
SJC did not answer additional questions from Tri-City Record about the resignation; however, Sherry Curry, public relations coordinator, did confirm Sheldon Pickering as the guest conductor for the remainder of the fall season of performances.
In a collection of statements from those in music ensembles, a student disclosed how rehearsal was handled after the cancellation.
“There was a refreshment table set up, and two lower-level administrators gave us a brief statement on the matter, then asked if we had any questions,” they said.
When the administrators were asked what happened, the response was that it was a confidential personnel matter.
“The administrators admitted the (importunate) situation had been handled less than ideally,” the student said. “They were not well versed and had no substantial new information to provide. I felt like they were being used to deflect upper-level responsibility. In any event, we thanked them for being there.”
During citizen comment, two students spoke of Fetz’s character and time at SJC.
Stephanie Lewis plays flute with the symphonic band while also taking part in other ensembles since 2018.
Fetz holds musicians to a high standard, and considers everyone as professional with an encouraging and considerate demeanor, she said. His influence has spanned farther than the walls of SJC, Lewis said, as many professional musicians and music educators give their time to the ensembles.
Lewis said the ensembles, which involve more than 100 students, were left with no consideration by the administration.
“I know that as Dr. Fetz has tried to expand the music department, he has hit many walls,” she said. “SJC now has a stain on its good name.”
After her statement, Lewis handed board members the collection of students’ written statements that also spoke to Fetz’s character and tenure.
“As a member of the San Juan College for over 10 years, he has become a pillar of the community in San Juan County,” said Melvin Larson.
Larson mentioned the allegations of Eddy Rawlinson, dean of School of Humanities, which have resulted in friction between faculty.
“In my view, SJC has a black eye over this current incident, and keeping Dean Rawlinson is asking for a second black eye,” Larson said.
Other students wrote their frustration with the disregard to the musicians.
“This action also demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the role of the college’s music programs in the community,” said violinist Joyce Kaferle.
A lack of consideration from administration in rescheduling the date without input from the ensemble was another point mentioned by a student.
Teresita Heinen, African Drumming Group member, was the second student to speak during citizen comment. She read from a collective statement of the group.
Their statement touched on the cultural enrichment, community building, and educational value and impact.
The ensemble has reached farther than SJC, according to the statement, with performances at local schools, churches, events and centers.
“Dr. Fetz’s approachable and trustworthy nature fosters meaningful connections with those around him,” the statement said. “Losing a valuable teacher is not just the departure of an individual – it is the loss of an invaluable asset to the educational ecosystem.”
Fetz did not respond to attempts for comment made by Tri-City Record.
