Editor’s note: This story was initially published yesterday. The editorial board realized there was an error in our story.  Following our media policy, we took the story down as soon as the information was brought to our attention. We appreciate our readers for keeping our staff transparent and accountable.  This is an ongoing story, and the Trail will follow it. 

The morning of Wed., March 26, senior Ava Cook noticed her clarinet was missing from where she left it in the band room, along with her music. 

“I literally walked in the band room and noticed it wasn’t on top of my shelf. I told another student, and then I went to [Assistant Band Director Cheyenne] Riedel, saying that was my clarinet was missing,” Cook said.

School Resource Officer Thomas Conover declined to comment on the theft, and that the investigation was ongoing.

McIntosh Band Director Barbara Baker sent home a Student/Parent Square announcement about “approximately 10” instruments stolen from the band room, which Baker speculated to students may have happened overnight. Orchestra students reported getting a similar message from McIntosh Orchestra Director Rae Litowich. Band students reported that the missing instruments appear to be a tuba, a drum set, a bass guitar, several clarinets, trombones and multiple violins.

The stolen instruments, in addition to the financial value, also are sentimental. Cook’s clarinet was her personal instrument.

“It’s kind of like bittersweet [because] I’m on my last year playing it. I’ve had it for seven years, so it’s bittersweet,” Cook said.

Students and the affected faculty are still looking to see if anything else is missing and are waiting for more information.

“[My parents] bought [the clarinet] so long ago they don’t have insurance on it. As of right now, I don’t know what I’m going to do without it. It would cost $500 to replace it,” Cook said.