AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC 4 News) - On Wednesday, the music died for students who attend American Fork’s Music School.
Citing financial problems, the school founders said they had no choice but to close its doors.
The school has helped thousands of kids choosing to follow a musical career.
"This is one of largest music schools in country,” said Caleb Chapman who founded the school ten years ago. “We’re the only school in the nation that is partnered with the Julliard School of Music.”
On Wednesday, movers were called in to strip the Music School. No more music coming from this American Fork school targeting young musicians.
Investors pulled out leaving those who run the school broke.
"I was a bit shocked because I didn't know how I was going to break the news to the staff,” said Caleb. “And I'm saddened about the demise of the whole thing.”
Monday was payday and the school's account was penniless. They were counting on an infusion of money from Sentry Financial, their prime investor.
But they've been experience hard times themselves. In a statement from Jonathan Ruga, the CEO of Sentry Financial he said “After 4 years and literally millions of dollars having been provided by the lending/investor group to The Music School to cover its losses, the lending/investing group decided late last week to cease providing additional financing."
But for those at the Music School, it's the timing of decision that hurts.
"Obviously with the economy the way it is, businesses close, but the way they went about it was wrong,” said Andy Shelton, who ran the day-to-day operations at the school. “We had zero notice and have been told know that we won't be paid for any of the work we've done in the last three weeks.”
Some of the parents paid through the end of the month and Chapman said they are not getting a service and should be entitled to a refund.
“Sentry won’t pay that money back,” he said.
Ruga told ABC 4 News that they did not target money for daily operations of The Music School.
“We left it to them to spend it,” said Ruga. “The money problem is their issue.
We just did not offer to invest any more money with the school.”
Chapman said about 65 music instructors are without jobs. He said many are trying to start over at various locations in Utah County providing music lessons.
Meika Boogert is one of those music instructors starting over. She said she has found a place nearby but is losing substantial money because of the school’s closure.
“I'm going to enroll students on my own and fight for the money I’m owed,” she said. “I’ll skimp and save as much as I can and hopefully make it up, but for now it’s going to be a tight budget.”
