Blair's band director will not return

Band director Kurt Lucas recently announced that he will not return for a fourth year at Blair, leaving students without a band director for next year.
Lucas, who has taught music in Montgomery County public schools for more than 20 years, says he is leaving because of the stress from the job. "Teaching so many classes has taken a toll on my health and my family," Lucas said. Lack of support for the band department has also contributed to Lucas' departure.

Next year, Lucas will serve as band director at White Oak Middle School. Blair does not yet have a replacement for the position.

Lucas says there is a possibility that he would remain at Blair if another instructor took the responsibility of conducting two of the bands. "There is still a 15 – 20 percent chance that I might stay," Lucas said. "There just has to be a staff increase."

Students in the various bands that Lucas teaches do not want to see him leave. Already, a petition with upwards of 200 student signatures is circulating in support of hiring a second band director. This way, Lucas would be able to stay at Blair.

During his three years at Blair, Lucas has greatly expanded the music program at the school. Lucas created an orchestra, dramatically improved the marching band and pit orchestra (for musicals), and has increased the skill level of every band he has worked with.