Saraca Criticizes Band Appearance-June 19, 1974

School Committee Member Questions Funding and Approvals for High School Trip

Norwood School Committee Chairman Charles C. Savacca and member Asst. Philip O. Coakley he had made a “wrong decision” in approving the high school band’s appearance at the Orange Bowl trip on June 1 without first seeking school committee approval. The criticism was voiced on behalf of Sen. John M. Quinlan, R-Norwood, was not listed as a participant in the scheduled band calendar. Dr. Coakley last week accepted responses from the band booster club and School Director Paul Alberto to let the committee know.

Dr. Coakley said the director had asked his approval the day before the band went to Boston University‘s Palmer Stadium. When questioned about why school committee members said they knew nothing about the band’s appearance. Dr. Coakley said last night his only concern was that if the band turned down the band would be paid “an honorarium”, since the boosters planned to use the funds for a trip to the Orange Bowl next winter. “Why aren’t you doing my job for me,” Mr. Saraca told the superintendent. He termed Dr. Coakley‘s approval “an eleventh-hour decision,” telling selectmen he was “critical.”

Mr. Saraca noted that at a special open meeting on the Orange Bowl trip two weeks ago, Mr. Alberto had outlined plans for many fund-raising activities to pay the students’ way to Miami for the New Year’s performance. Nowhere had the competition appearance been mentioned, he said. Mr. Saraca also raised questions about the legality of the band’s accepting fees. The issue was sent to Town Counsel to look into the revolving fund law.

Member Judith M. Berkowitz vehemently disagreed with Mr. Saraca‘s criticism, asserting that his absences at town meeting sessions when the band performed at the Democratic convention last year. “Were you worried about the Democrats or Republicans,” Mr. Saraca said. “Permission was granted.” Member Joseph M. Pentowski questioned the school committee’s position if a student musician gets hurt at a function like this. He said, in the future, even if time did not allow a full school board meeting to discuss issue, the superintendent should contact the chairman of the committee so he could discuss it and make a joint recommendation.

Member Richard Joseph stressed the need to ensure any funds raised from outside sources go toward the planned trip which will cost each band member approximately $450. His motion to have the proceeds from last week’s show donated to the Orange Bowl fund and to request subsequent approval of the school board for future event was unanimously passed.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger