Tuesday, June 15, 1999

Center Daily Times Opinion Section

Since the time that Pete Kiefer announced his retirement as director of the Singing Lions, and especially during the past few weeks because of remarks in this paper, I have received numerous messages from across the country rallying support for the group.

It is clear that during the ensemble's distinctive history the Singing Lions have drawn many loyal and enthusiastic fans. Along with our alumni and friends in the community, I too share hope that this great tradition will endure.

Pete Kiefer is a uniquely talented man who cannot easily be replaced. His departure has precipitated administrative and monetary dilemmas associated with support of the group. Although the ensemble is cited in the Penn State undergraduate catalog under the School of Music, the budget for the Singing Lions has not been under the school's control for many years. Our operational budget being very tight, we are unfortunately incapable of absorbing the costs associated with maintaining the group at an appropriate level.

I am presently seeking to save this tradition in ways that meet the current goals of the School. of Music, the College of Arts and Architecture and the university. During the past months I have been in contact with the Alumni Association and many organizations and departments within the university, including the president's office, in an effort to explore options. I expect that these discussions will continue through the summer and that we will reach a conclusion in time for the fall semester.

Richard D. Green
State College
The writer is the director of the School of Music at Penn State.

© 1999 Centre Daily Times

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