Press Release from the Pennsylvania Academy of Music

The Pennsylvania Academy of Music is attempting to steer a new course to help the school survive a series of crises that have plagued the school in recent weeks. A new board has been formed to address critical issues including determination if the Academy can stay open until the end of the current semester and to address the possibility of arrangements to remain in its present location if Millersville University or another buyer should purchase the building.

Frances Veri and Michael Jamanis, founders of the school, resigned their positions on the PAM Board of Trustees on March 4^th. Their resignations were accepted with regret by the other trustees. Simon Andrews, formerly the faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, was named the new Dean of the Academy following the earlier resignation of Frances Veri as Dean.

In the wake of the February 15^th resignations of all but two trustees, Academy faculty, staff and volunteer new Board members have been making every effort to save the school from closing and help steer it on a new course. A provisional Board of Trustees was formed with the advice of legal counsel, Jacques Geisenberger, prior to the Jamanis’ March 4^th resignation to address the immediate needs of the school  and to help re establish a full board.  According to the organization’s by-laws, fifteen members are needed for a full Board of Trustees, but the necessary number required to conduct business is five members.  Among those who volunteered for the board is former trustee, Dr. David Weston and new trustees include Dr. Holmes Morton, Caroline Morton, Robert Sherman, and Tina Davidson.  Several other individuals are considering joining the Board of Trustees in the near future. Board members also hope there can be future representation from Lancaster’s arts and education communities and other entities in Lancaster.

New trustees are striving to put aside the bitterness and profound disappointment that resulted from recent resignations, failures, and loss of the building and to focus on the immediate financial crisis and changes needed for the Academy to be able to function.  If PAM can survive through the current crisis, the new Board, along with the faculty will begin to look at the great potential of the Academy and what it can offer through its musical education programs and performances for of all ages. It is a phenomenal educational and cultural resource for citizens in the Lancaster area.  But, the school needs immediate community support to continue.

In stark contrast to the series of devastating problems experienced by PAM, recent performances of the Chinese Youth Orchestra and Eliot Fisk had full houses on all nights, the music was vibrant, magical and enriched all who attended. While trustees meet over finances, PAM is full of the sounds of children practicing their scales, learning to play the violin, the cello, the guitar and to sing in choir. This is what makes the school important and worth saving. It is hoped PAM can build on its positive track record in musical education and performances and continue to contribute to the outstanding musical experiences available in downtown Lancaster.

The new trustees thanked Frances Veri and Michael Jamanis for their vision and dedication to the school as its Founders.  The Pennsylvania Academy of Music would not exist without them. Trustees also wish to express the Academy’s thanks to so many in the Lancaster area who have supported the school or volunteered in many capacities to help make PAM’s programs a success.