06/26/2015
Please read the message from Mr. Retzlaff...
Dear Monroe Band Alumni,
I wanted to let you know that I have accepted the band position at CATA. This was an incredibly difficult decision for me. I absolutely love the Monroe Band Program and have cherished the past seven years as one of the band directors. It has been an honor and a privilege to watch the program rebuild into a fantastic band program that is respected all over the district. More importantly, seeing everyone grow into wonderful musicians and adults is something I will remember the rest of my life. Everyone of you has impacted my life for the better, and I am the teacher I am today because of teaching at Monroe.
I strongly believe the work at Monroe is not done and the bands still have a lot of room to grow. Our program has started a tradition of excellence that needs to continue. Please remember that what makes the program at Monroe special are the students first and foremost. Future success is in the hands of the students, and please welcome the new director with this thought in mind. I have all the faith in the world that the program will continue and respect its great tradition. I always will look forward to seeing the Monroe Bands succeed and perform.
I do not view this as saying goodbye. I will only be right down the road, and I want to continue the relationships that I have built over the years.
Respectfully,
Mr. Retzlaff