Dr. Christopher Lanz resigns
Shawon Rodger
Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: News
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"I want to advocate as much as possible in favor of Dr. Lanz," said Ryan Taussig, junior music education major.
Taussig is a student of Lanz. "He's my mentor," said Taussig with pride. Taussig, along with a large following of Lanz supporters, expressed their concern with members of the Crane School of Music's administration and faculty who ultimately led to the resignation.
A Facebook group detailing the resignation quickly gathered support for Lanz.
The group aims to function as a vehicle of support in favor of Lanz's continued instruction of the Crane Symphony Orchestra. Students involved with the group's activity sent letters to President John Schwaller and Provost Margaret Madden in an attempt to provide the administration of SUNY Potsdam with an opinion - of a section of the student body - that may have been overlooked.
According to the Facebook group, Lanz sent an email to his students that explained how his resignation was not forced, but he was informed that his resignation would be in his best interest by Dean Solomon and Chair of Music Performance Doug Rubio.
Complaints were lodged against Lanz by students and faculty which supporters cited as the reason Crane's administration took action.
"People are constantly making fun of him outside of rehearsal," commented Andrew Albani, sophomore cellist. Albani is one of the prime advocates for Lanz.
Students in support of Lanz also believe that an injustice was committed because Lanz's students were not contacted for their input before the resignation took place.
A sizable number of students in support of the resignation believe that Lanz's resignation will benefit the Crane Symphony Orchestra.
"He wasn't professional in rehearsal," commented Lauren Roerig, freshman bassoonist. "I feel like we'll get more done now."
Roerig is new to the orchestra this semester and was shocked by Lanz's behavior.
Students who feel that Lanz resigning will help Crane were primarily discouraged by his tone and demeanor in rehearsals.
"No student should have to put up with his disrespect," argued Alex Belinsky, grad studies clarinetist. Belinsky argued that though Crane builds professionalism, it's up to the professors to demonstrate the professionalism they expect from their students.
"It was something that needed to be done for a long time," said Belinsky.
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