Board suspends AHS marching band director
BY JANE MEGGITT and JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writers

ALLENTOWN — The Board of Education voted to suspend the Allentown High School band director for insubordination at its Nov. 16 meeting.

The board suspended Peter Mauro, with pay, for three days. The suspension took place on Nov. 18, 21 and 22.

Board member Howard Kreiger abstained from voting on the matter because he arrived at the meeting late and did not hear the discussion regarding Mauro.

The suspension came as a recommendation from AHS Principal Christopher Nagy.

When asked to comment on the matter regarding Mauro, Nagy declined and instead forwarded questions to Superintendent Robert Smith.

When asked to comment, Smith said, “It is my general orientation to be open with newspapers, but there are confidential aspects in this matter regarding personnel and/or students.”

Smith said the board acted to suspend Mauro for three days, but would not elaborate on the matter.

At press time, Mauro could not be reached for comment.

Mauro, of the Lawrenceville section of Lawrence, has worked at AHS as the director of bands for the past 19 years. Throughout that time, he has seen the AHS Redbird Marching Band place first eight times at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City, and six times at the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Mauro has also led the marching band at the White House, at the ticker-tape parade in New York City after Operation Desert Storm, and at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla.

This year, the Redbird Marching Band received an invitation from England’s Queen Elizabeth II to perform in London’s 2006 New Year’s Day Parade.

While in London, Mauro will lead the 100-piece marching band in front of a street audience in excess of 1 million people and a television audience of hundreds of millions. The band will perform British-influenced music along with songs by the Beatles.

While on the parade route in London, the Redbirds will march by Big Ben, through Piccadilly Circus and down Downing Street, where the prime minister resides.

When asked whether the suspension would have any effect on the band’s trip to London, Smith said, “It will not.”

The superintendent was also asked if he had anything to say to band parents with regard to the band director’s insubordination.

“I already said that the suspension will not affect the London trip,” Smith said. “Beyond that, I’m not going to comment.”

The Upper Freehold Regional School District Board of Education unanimously voted in February to let marching band students go on the international trip.

The marching band has held various fundraisers throughout the year to raise the $200,000 necessary to fund the trip.

Those who wish to make a contribution to the marching band, anonymous or otherwise, can mail a check to Peter Mauro, Director of Bands, Allentown High School, 27 High St., Allentown 08501.

Call (609) 259-2160, ext. 422.