Photo Credit: Stephanie Swindle
In 2016, we asked past SCASD students and parents for memories they had from Partners in Music and what making music means to them to celebrate our 10th anniversary. In addition, we asked former PSU students for their memories and where they are now. Please enjoy these reflections, memories and accomplishments from students who have participated in the past. Thanks to all who contributed!
FORMER STUDENTS (SCASD)
What playing an instrument means to them now, and a memory they have from Partners in Music
What playing an instrument means to me: Learning and exploring more of the musical world, and using the talents that I have to benefit others.
A memory from PiM: A memory that I have of one of the rehearsals was finding that I really enjoyed playing my instrument in a group. This was also the first time that I realized that other peoples' parts in the music mattered; not just mine.
Joella Asbury, now 9th grade, trombone
What playing an instrument means to me: Participating in band is a skill and opportunity for me, to expand my horizons, and build from there. I've been playing the flute for 4 years, and I can sincerely say that I am truly grateful for the time that I've spent in band. I plan to continue my journey.
A memory from PiM: Since this from a long time ago, what I can remember is that it was truly a wonderful experience. I made friends that even though I may not remember today, but that they were truly special to me then. And I got to experience what a blue band person, got to do in a daily basis.
Scarlett Gingerich, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that we are expressing ourselves through sound and creating beautiful things.
A memory from PiM: It was very laid back but we accomplished a lot and had a lot of fun.
Logan Soltis, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It allows me to make new friends, and learn a good skill in life.
A memory from PiM: Getting up early and being able to play in the Blue Band facility.
Evan Wayne, now 8th grade, percussion
What playing an instrument means to me: It means going to lessons, and in school practices, while also practicing at home.
A memory from PiM: I remember that it was the first time that I wasn't the only French Horn player
Ben Oleynik, now 8th grade, French horn
What playing an instrument means to me: It means hard work, determination, and a lot of fun.
A memory from PiM: The student teachers were really great. We played Cold Water Creek for the concert.
Grace Jacobs, now 8th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Working together with other musicians to create music.
A memory from PiM: I remember getting up early and going to the Blue Band Building. There were a bunch of kids and I knew some of them but a lot of them I didn't know. I made a lot of new friends and I still know some of them today.
Lauren Lieb, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It gives me something creative to do and I love being creative.
A memory from PiM: Met someone that I met again last year and it was cool seeing her again.
Alex Polka, now 8th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means being part of something that other people aren't part of and they are really missing out.
A memory from PiM: Yes, I remember being late all the time with my mom.
Sydney Muller, now 8th grade, clarinet
What playing an instrument means to me: Means a better understanding of music.
A memory from PiM: The professional band players that taught us the music.
Garrick Zheng, now 8th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: Being part of a music-making family.
A memory from PiM: I remember getting up early and working hard, but having it all pay off with an amazing concert at the end.
Nick Richardson, now 8th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: I get to play the instruments in Percussion
A memory from PiM: Playing with the College Students!
Nicholas Bebee, now 8th grade, percussion
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that you get to express yourself through a way that you can't typically do in classes at school.
A memory from PiM: I remember having a lot of fun while rehearsing, meeting new people, and learning music that I really enjoyed.
Mason Condo, now 7th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Learning new things and expanding my musical knowledge.
A memory from PiM: I remember that one of the student conductors, who played either the sousaphone or trombone and he was in the blue band. I always asked him about that week's performance. I always looked for him.
Owen Perry, now 7th grade, trombone/tuba
What playing an instrument means to me: It is fun and it gives me something to do when I am bored.
A memory from PiM: Goofing around with the conductors.
Layla Thornton, now 7th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means sharing my talent withe others.
A memory from PiM: The time when we played somewhere over the rainbow and we made Dr. Thornton cry.
Sophia LaPorta, now 7th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means I can play music, have fun with friends, and learn more.
A memory from PiM: It was fun! I liked how for each different piece, we had a different director.
Tanner Deyo, now 7th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: It's really fun to do. It also challenges me to work harder.
A memory from PiM: Different students would rehearse different pieces with us; they were all really nice.
Katy Liu, now 7th grade, French horn
What playing an instrument means to me: I would say that it means commitment and hard work otherwise we would not be able to play.
A memory from PiM: I definitely remember the part of waking up early and I also liked the part that you would be bused to school with your schools band who participated. I really enjoyed the practices and thought that the instructors were amazing. They were all very kind and the music that they had picked sounded amazing. The concert was amazing and my favorite part was probably the setup of the song and the introduction. The music made the audience cheer and that makes a musician happy.
Jake LeVan, now 7th grade, clarinet
What playing an instrument means to me: It means a lot to me now, to play music and I really like it.
A memory from PiM: It was early in the morning, it was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot.
Lukeria Petrunina, now 7th grade, trombone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that I will be better with listening skills, and multitasking.
A memory from PiM: There was kids from PFE, and that there were psu band members playing with us and conducting.
Samuel E. Hauser, now 7th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means very much to me! I play the B-flat clarinet and violin, and I am in Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra. I am looking forward to doing even more with music in high school in a few years!
A memory from PiM: I remember all of the conductors we had and how great they were. I learned a lot from the experience, and I had SO much fun participating in it!
Nika Kello, now 7th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: It means a lot, because I feel like I am spreading music and with that positive energy to a community.
A memory from PiM: I remember having fun learning great music along side many other talented musicians my age.
Avery Jones, now 6th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: I do it for fun. I like to be able to play an instrument.
A memory from PiM: The directors were fun, and the songs were awesome.
Reece Steidle, now 6th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Fun times and hard work.
A memory from PiM: The rehearsals were fun and the concert there was a big stage and it was very exiting.
Anonymous, now 6th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: I love playing my violin whenever I get the chance! I find it as a chance to show people what I can do!
A memory from PiM: I remember first looking at the pieces and thinking, "Wow, this looks hard." Playing the pieces now, I think, "This so easy!"
Anonymous, now 6th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: I think it is a great way for me to learn important skills I may need later in life. I think playing the clarinet is really fun.
A memory from PiM: I remember that one conductor, the one who directed Pirate's Cove, said, "All hands on deck!" and we'd say "Aye!"
Ava Langelaan, now 6th grade, clarinet
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
What they enjoy about their children making music, and a memory from Partners in Music
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: They enjoy their practicing and getting ready for concerts. They also enjoy the challenge of the more difficult pieces.
Memory from PiM: The 5th grade program was excellent. We never had a complaint about going early.
Tom LaPorta, parent of 2011, 2014 participants
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Learning music and playing an instrument activate multiple areas of the brain and make connections with math and art. It also helps to develop discipline with practice. And it's a skill which they will have with them for the rest of their lives!
Memory from PiM: I loved seeing the pride my kids exuded about being able to participate in this program. It was something very special!
Laurel Lynn L. Martin, parent of 2012, 2014 participants
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Listening to how far they have come over the years. Love the school district concerts.
Memory from PiM: The chance that my son got to play with kids across the district when he was only in 5th grade. He also realized that he was a good bass player and has wanted to continue on.
Parent of 2013 participant
Memory from PiM: My favorite memory was watching and hearing all the kids preform at the concert!!!!!! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful music program in State College! Thanks to all for making Partners in Music happen.
Kimmy Beebe, parent of 2013 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Hearing the sound get better and learning harder pieces and attending concerts and hearing their orchestrated sound all put together after a number of rehearsals. It is rewarding for my son and us as parents!
Memory from PiM: Going to the Blue Band room. We were impressed with how the band sounded.
JungJu Sung, parent of 2013 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Listening to them improve.
Memory from PiM: He thoroughly enjoyed it and looked forward to it even though it was so early in the morning.
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: I love that they are encouraged to try something new and out of the their comfort zone. This has broadened both of my children's horizons and, I think, makes them well-rounded.
Memory from PiM: When I saw my son (who is rather shy) moving from one percussion instrument to another confidently throughout the piece -- and then having a spotlight moment with a final cymbal clang.
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Sense of a community for her. Feeling part of a larger group participating in a common goal. Learning a new language and listening to her practice.
Memory from PiM: She loved being in the Blue Band building. She was excited to go, never complained about it being so early and the concert was wonderful!
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Their instruments are something they are responsible for on their own. It has been nice to see them both rise up and succeed and enjoy it!
Memory from PiM: It was great to see friends from all over the district come together for this concert!
Terra Deyo, parent of 2014, 2016 participants
FORMER PSU STUDENTS
Where they are now, and a favorite memory from Partners in Music
High School Choral Music at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA.
Favorite Memory: I will never forget the energy that I felt from a room of 5th grade students who were willing to share a great musical experience with some young educators.
Chad Reed, 2008
Director of Instrumental Music at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, NJ
Favorite Memory: Interacting with the kids as they arrived in the morning and feeding off their excitement of learning a new instrument. Also the breakfasts with the professor afterwards were great too!
Derek Rohaly, 2009
I am teaching elementary general music k-2, 4, 5, in New York.
Favorite Memory: Conducting the concert!
Jessica (Holter) Rodriguez, 2009
I am teaching music at Prospect Park School in Prospect Park, PA (Delaware County). I teach instrumental music grades 4-8 and general music grades 6-8 and I LOVE IT!
Favorite Memory: I enjoyed seeing and hearing the talent that came from all of the young students. It was very encouraging to me and made me want to be back in the classroom teaching music again.
Jess Weimer, 2010
I am currently in my fourth year teaching elementary school general music in Bedford County Virginia
Favorite Memory: Our fist rehearsal was the most memorable for me. I felt like I instantly connected with the band. The students and I were both so excited for the experience and everyone put everything they had into the music. It was a moment that made me realize I was exactly where I wanted to be.
Ryan Wells, 2010
Valley forge elementary school- 4th grade band, chorus, K-4 General music Private horn lessons grades 5-12
Favorite Memory: Getting to know the students before and after rehearsal. Having the opportunity to teach elementary students before entering my student teaching placement made me even more excited and prepared for my career!
Emily (Janser) Nation, 2010
I am teaching High School Instrumental and General music in the South Bronx. I teach 5 classes every day, which are primarily instrumental based, but also explore topics in general music.
Favorite Memory: My favorite part of the program was having an opportunity to work with students in a real rehearsal situation. It prepared me for student teaching in a way that our lab band in basic conducting could not.
James Gunther, 2011
I'm an the dramatic arts director at Altoona Area High School. I have veered out of teaching strictly music, but I am still in an expressive, creative medium and get my dose of music during the annual musical.
Favorite Memory: I loved interacting with the younger kids. I now deal with all teenagers, and they have their pros and cons. However nothing beats their excitement when they're young.
Ben Cossitor, 2011
I teach 4th and 5th grade strings in the five elementary schools of the School District of Haverford Township. I also direct the 5th Grade District String Orchestra.
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory was the night of the concert when all the string students were getting tuned and warming up back stage. A few students decided to play through the piece I was conducting called "Hunter's Chorus". Before I knew it, more students began to join in until all the students in the room were playing-some were even playing by memory! They all truly seemed to enjoy playing together and bonding with the student teachers. I also will never forget the tradition of discussing how each rehearsal went over breakfast at the Waffle Shop with the Penn State Professors!
ShelleyAnn Greenberg, 2012
I'm currently building a private studio of saxophonists while I work full time as a saxophone repair technician
Favorite Memory: Definitely experiencing how much energy those kid brought so early in the morning! That, and of course the reflecting that took place at the Waffle Shop after each rehearsal.
Brennan Lagan, 2013
I am substitute teaching in Oregon while I finish my Master's. I also have several private percussion students (ages 11-16).
Favorite Memory: Seeing the whole room light up the first time they nailed a tricky transition.
Kelsey Molinari, 2014
Elementary Band Seneca Valley School District Grades 4-6
Favorite Memory: The feeling at the final concert.
Allison Long, 2014
Teaching elementary band to 4th & 5th grade in the school district of upper Dublin in a suburb of Philadelphia
Favorite Memory: The concert itself -- seeing everyone in one big group on stage making music.
Caitlin McGaugh, 2014
I am teaching 4th grade band at four different elementary schools in the Methacton School District (Norristown, PA)
Favorite Memory: It really was this program that gave me a taste of what conducting a beginning band is like. I think of Partners in Music often when I am planning rehearsals now! My favorite memories....going to Waffle Shop after each teaching! I also remember that the piece I conducted changed from 4/4 time to 3/4 time in the middle, and then back to 4/4. We had lots of trouble with that in rehearsal....but it came together in time for the concert!
Erin Trautmann, 2014
I'm teaching middle school band in Stafford, Virginia
Favorite Memory: Partners in music was the most influential program I had in college up until student teaching. I was able to conduct in a real concert experience with a packed house before I even got to my student teaching experience. You learn so much about preparing for a concert, lesson planning for rehearsals, and studying scores for younger students. One of the biggest takeaways for me was watching my peers rehearse while I wasn't on the podium. I was lucky enough to be working with a masters student while I was in the program and learned a lot of different rehearsal techniques. I also was able to get to know the elementary teachers in the district and it lead to more teaching experiences that I was able to make on my own time with those teachers. It is what you make of it! But everyone can get a lot out of this program.
Kevin Lynch, 2015
Elementary Music (Grades K-2) and assistant director to Region 9 Chapter Champions, The Wicomico County High School Marching Band
Favorite Memory: Performing blue band music for the fifth graders prior to their performance.
Mark Pages, 2015
High School and Intermediate Strings and Orchestra- grades 7-12. The Woodlands High School and McCullough Jr. High- Conroe Independent School District. The Woodlands, TX
Favorite Memory: My favorite thing about the program is that it really allowed me to have a pretty solid first experience as a 'teacher'. From day one to the concert and beyond, I got to see the students grow musically and socially. I loved that at the same time, I was doing 395C in elementary string classrooms so I got to build a bond with the students in rehearsals and their lessons. The second semester, I got to interact with a lot of them while I student taught as well. It gave me a lot of insight to what real teachers see as they follow students growth throughout an extended period of time (a year or more) and it allowed me to adapt some of my methods of teaching and explaining and cater to the needs of the children more as I got to know them better.
Marissa Guarriello, 2015
FORMER STUDENTS (SCASD)
What playing an instrument means to them now, and a memory they have from Partners in Music
What playing an instrument means to me: Learning and exploring more of the musical world, and using the talents that I have to benefit others.
A memory from PiM: A memory that I have of one of the rehearsals was finding that I really enjoyed playing my instrument in a group. This was also the first time that I realized that other peoples' parts in the music mattered; not just mine.
Joella Asbury, now 9th grade, trombone
What playing an instrument means to me: Participating in band is a skill and opportunity for me, to expand my horizons, and build from there. I've been playing the flute for 4 years, and I can sincerely say that I am truly grateful for the time that I've spent in band. I plan to continue my journey.
A memory from PiM: Since this from a long time ago, what I can remember is that it was truly a wonderful experience. I made friends that even though I may not remember today, but that they were truly special to me then. And I got to experience what a blue band person, got to do in a daily basis.
Scarlett Gingerich, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that we are expressing ourselves through sound and creating beautiful things.
A memory from PiM: It was very laid back but we accomplished a lot and had a lot of fun.
Logan Soltis, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It allows me to make new friends, and learn a good skill in life.
A memory from PiM: Getting up early and being able to play in the Blue Band facility.
Evan Wayne, now 8th grade, percussion
What playing an instrument means to me: It means going to lessons, and in school practices, while also practicing at home.
A memory from PiM: I remember that it was the first time that I wasn't the only French Horn player
Ben Oleynik, now 8th grade, French horn
What playing an instrument means to me: It means hard work, determination, and a lot of fun.
A memory from PiM: The student teachers were really great. We played Cold Water Creek for the concert.
Grace Jacobs, now 8th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Working together with other musicians to create music.
A memory from PiM: I remember getting up early and going to the Blue Band Building. There were a bunch of kids and I knew some of them but a lot of them I didn't know. I made a lot of new friends and I still know some of them today.
Lauren Lieb, now 8th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It gives me something creative to do and I love being creative.
A memory from PiM: Met someone that I met again last year and it was cool seeing her again.
Alex Polka, now 8th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means being part of something that other people aren't part of and they are really missing out.
A memory from PiM: Yes, I remember being late all the time with my mom.
Sydney Muller, now 8th grade, clarinet
What playing an instrument means to me: Means a better understanding of music.
A memory from PiM: The professional band players that taught us the music.
Garrick Zheng, now 8th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: Being part of a music-making family.
A memory from PiM: I remember getting up early and working hard, but having it all pay off with an amazing concert at the end.
Nick Richardson, now 8th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: I get to play the instruments in Percussion
A memory from PiM: Playing with the College Students!
Nicholas Bebee, now 8th grade, percussion
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that you get to express yourself through a way that you can't typically do in classes at school.
A memory from PiM: I remember having a lot of fun while rehearsing, meeting new people, and learning music that I really enjoyed.
Mason Condo, now 7th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Learning new things and expanding my musical knowledge.
A memory from PiM: I remember that one of the student conductors, who played either the sousaphone or trombone and he was in the blue band. I always asked him about that week's performance. I always looked for him.
Owen Perry, now 7th grade, trombone/tuba
What playing an instrument means to me: It is fun and it gives me something to do when I am bored.
A memory from PiM: Goofing around with the conductors.
Layla Thornton, now 7th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means sharing my talent withe others.
A memory from PiM: The time when we played somewhere over the rainbow and we made Dr. Thornton cry.
Sophia LaPorta, now 7th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means I can play music, have fun with friends, and learn more.
A memory from PiM: It was fun! I liked how for each different piece, we had a different director.
Tanner Deyo, now 7th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: It's really fun to do. It also challenges me to work harder.
A memory from PiM: Different students would rehearse different pieces with us; they were all really nice.
Katy Liu, now 7th grade, French horn
What playing an instrument means to me: I would say that it means commitment and hard work otherwise we would not be able to play.
A memory from PiM: I definitely remember the part of waking up early and I also liked the part that you would be bused to school with your schools band who participated. I really enjoyed the practices and thought that the instructors were amazing. They were all very kind and the music that they had picked sounded amazing. The concert was amazing and my favorite part was probably the setup of the song and the introduction. The music made the audience cheer and that makes a musician happy.
Jake LeVan, now 7th grade, clarinet
What playing an instrument means to me: It means a lot to me now, to play music and I really like it.
A memory from PiM: It was early in the morning, it was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot.
Lukeria Petrunina, now 7th grade, trombone
What playing an instrument means to me: It means that I will be better with listening skills, and multitasking.
A memory from PiM: There was kids from PFE, and that there were psu band members playing with us and conducting.
Samuel E. Hauser, now 7th grade, flute
What playing an instrument means to me: It means very much to me! I play the B-flat clarinet and violin, and I am in Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra. I am looking forward to doing even more with music in high school in a few years!
A memory from PiM: I remember all of the conductors we had and how great they were. I learned a lot from the experience, and I had SO much fun participating in it!
Nika Kello, now 7th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: It means a lot, because I feel like I am spreading music and with that positive energy to a community.
A memory from PiM: I remember having fun learning great music along side many other talented musicians my age.
Avery Jones, now 6th grade, saxophone
What playing an instrument means to me: I do it for fun. I like to be able to play an instrument.
A memory from PiM: The directors were fun, and the songs were awesome.
Reece Steidle, now 6th grade, trumpet
What playing an instrument means to me: Fun times and hard work.
A memory from PiM: The rehearsals were fun and the concert there was a big stage and it was very exiting.
Anonymous, now 6th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: I love playing my violin whenever I get the chance! I find it as a chance to show people what I can do!
A memory from PiM: I remember first looking at the pieces and thinking, "Wow, this looks hard." Playing the pieces now, I think, "This so easy!"
Anonymous, now 6th grade, violin
What playing an instrument means to me: I think it is a great way for me to learn important skills I may need later in life. I think playing the clarinet is really fun.
A memory from PiM: I remember that one conductor, the one who directed Pirate's Cove, said, "All hands on deck!" and we'd say "Aye!"
Ava Langelaan, now 6th grade, clarinet
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
What they enjoy about their children making music, and a memory from Partners in Music
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: They enjoy their practicing and getting ready for concerts. They also enjoy the challenge of the more difficult pieces.
Memory from PiM: The 5th grade program was excellent. We never had a complaint about going early.
Tom LaPorta, parent of 2011, 2014 participants
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Learning music and playing an instrument activate multiple areas of the brain and make connections with math and art. It also helps to develop discipline with practice. And it's a skill which they will have with them for the rest of their lives!
Memory from PiM: I loved seeing the pride my kids exuded about being able to participate in this program. It was something very special!
Laurel Lynn L. Martin, parent of 2012, 2014 participants
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Listening to how far they have come over the years. Love the school district concerts.
Memory from PiM: The chance that my son got to play with kids across the district when he was only in 5th grade. He also realized that he was a good bass player and has wanted to continue on.
Parent of 2013 participant
Memory from PiM: My favorite memory was watching and hearing all the kids preform at the concert!!!!!! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful music program in State College! Thanks to all for making Partners in Music happen.
Kimmy Beebe, parent of 2013 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Hearing the sound get better and learning harder pieces and attending concerts and hearing their orchestrated sound all put together after a number of rehearsals. It is rewarding for my son and us as parents!
Memory from PiM: Going to the Blue Band room. We were impressed with how the band sounded.
JungJu Sung, parent of 2013 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Listening to them improve.
Memory from PiM: He thoroughly enjoyed it and looked forward to it even though it was so early in the morning.
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: I love that they are encouraged to try something new and out of the their comfort zone. This has broadened both of my children's horizons and, I think, makes them well-rounded.
Memory from PiM: When I saw my son (who is rather shy) moving from one percussion instrument to another confidently throughout the piece -- and then having a spotlight moment with a final cymbal clang.
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Sense of a community for her. Feeling part of a larger group participating in a common goal. Learning a new language and listening to her practice.
Memory from PiM: She loved being in the Blue Band building. She was excited to go, never complained about it being so early and the concert was wonderful!
Parent of 2014 participant
What do you enjoy about your child(ren) making music: Their instruments are something they are responsible for on their own. It has been nice to see them both rise up and succeed and enjoy it!
Memory from PiM: It was great to see friends from all over the district come together for this concert!
Terra Deyo, parent of 2014, 2016 participants
FORMER PSU STUDENTS
Where they are now, and a favorite memory from Partners in Music
High School Choral Music at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA.
Favorite Memory: I will never forget the energy that I felt from a room of 5th grade students who were willing to share a great musical experience with some young educators.
Chad Reed, 2008
Director of Instrumental Music at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, NJ
Favorite Memory: Interacting with the kids as they arrived in the morning and feeding off their excitement of learning a new instrument. Also the breakfasts with the professor afterwards were great too!
Derek Rohaly, 2009
I am teaching elementary general music k-2, 4, 5, in New York.
Favorite Memory: Conducting the concert!
Jessica (Holter) Rodriguez, 2009
I am teaching music at Prospect Park School in Prospect Park, PA (Delaware County). I teach instrumental music grades 4-8 and general music grades 6-8 and I LOVE IT!
Favorite Memory: I enjoyed seeing and hearing the talent that came from all of the young students. It was very encouraging to me and made me want to be back in the classroom teaching music again.
Jess Weimer, 2010
I am currently in my fourth year teaching elementary school general music in Bedford County Virginia
Favorite Memory: Our fist rehearsal was the most memorable for me. I felt like I instantly connected with the band. The students and I were both so excited for the experience and everyone put everything they had into the music. It was a moment that made me realize I was exactly where I wanted to be.
Ryan Wells, 2010
Valley forge elementary school- 4th grade band, chorus, K-4 General music Private horn lessons grades 5-12
Favorite Memory: Getting to know the students before and after rehearsal. Having the opportunity to teach elementary students before entering my student teaching placement made me even more excited and prepared for my career!
Emily (Janser) Nation, 2010
I am teaching High School Instrumental and General music in the South Bronx. I teach 5 classes every day, which are primarily instrumental based, but also explore topics in general music.
Favorite Memory: My favorite part of the program was having an opportunity to work with students in a real rehearsal situation. It prepared me for student teaching in a way that our lab band in basic conducting could not.
James Gunther, 2011
I'm an the dramatic arts director at Altoona Area High School. I have veered out of teaching strictly music, but I am still in an expressive, creative medium and get my dose of music during the annual musical.
Favorite Memory: I loved interacting with the younger kids. I now deal with all teenagers, and they have their pros and cons. However nothing beats their excitement when they're young.
Ben Cossitor, 2011
I teach 4th and 5th grade strings in the five elementary schools of the School District of Haverford Township. I also direct the 5th Grade District String Orchestra.
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory was the night of the concert when all the string students were getting tuned and warming up back stage. A few students decided to play through the piece I was conducting called "Hunter's Chorus". Before I knew it, more students began to join in until all the students in the room were playing-some were even playing by memory! They all truly seemed to enjoy playing together and bonding with the student teachers. I also will never forget the tradition of discussing how each rehearsal went over breakfast at the Waffle Shop with the Penn State Professors!
ShelleyAnn Greenberg, 2012
I'm currently building a private studio of saxophonists while I work full time as a saxophone repair technician
Favorite Memory: Definitely experiencing how much energy those kid brought so early in the morning! That, and of course the reflecting that took place at the Waffle Shop after each rehearsal.
Brennan Lagan, 2013
I am substitute teaching in Oregon while I finish my Master's. I also have several private percussion students (ages 11-16).
Favorite Memory: Seeing the whole room light up the first time they nailed a tricky transition.
Kelsey Molinari, 2014
Elementary Band Seneca Valley School District Grades 4-6
Favorite Memory: The feeling at the final concert.
Allison Long, 2014
Teaching elementary band to 4th & 5th grade in the school district of upper Dublin in a suburb of Philadelphia
Favorite Memory: The concert itself -- seeing everyone in one big group on stage making music.
Caitlin McGaugh, 2014
I am teaching 4th grade band at four different elementary schools in the Methacton School District (Norristown, PA)
Favorite Memory: It really was this program that gave me a taste of what conducting a beginning band is like. I think of Partners in Music often when I am planning rehearsals now! My favorite memories....going to Waffle Shop after each teaching! I also remember that the piece I conducted changed from 4/4 time to 3/4 time in the middle, and then back to 4/4. We had lots of trouble with that in rehearsal....but it came together in time for the concert!
Erin Trautmann, 2014
I'm teaching middle school band in Stafford, Virginia
Favorite Memory: Partners in music was the most influential program I had in college up until student teaching. I was able to conduct in a real concert experience with a packed house before I even got to my student teaching experience. You learn so much about preparing for a concert, lesson planning for rehearsals, and studying scores for younger students. One of the biggest takeaways for me was watching my peers rehearse while I wasn't on the podium. I was lucky enough to be working with a masters student while I was in the program and learned a lot of different rehearsal techniques. I also was able to get to know the elementary teachers in the district and it lead to more teaching experiences that I was able to make on my own time with those teachers. It is what you make of it! But everyone can get a lot out of this program.
Kevin Lynch, 2015
Elementary Music (Grades K-2) and assistant director to Region 9 Chapter Champions, The Wicomico County High School Marching Band
Favorite Memory: Performing blue band music for the fifth graders prior to their performance.
Mark Pages, 2015
High School and Intermediate Strings and Orchestra- grades 7-12. The Woodlands High School and McCullough Jr. High- Conroe Independent School District. The Woodlands, TX
Favorite Memory: My favorite thing about the program is that it really allowed me to have a pretty solid first experience as a 'teacher'. From day one to the concert and beyond, I got to see the students grow musically and socially. I loved that at the same time, I was doing 395C in elementary string classrooms so I got to build a bond with the students in rehearsals and their lessons. The second semester, I got to interact with a lot of them while I student taught as well. It gave me a lot of insight to what real teachers see as they follow students growth throughout an extended period of time (a year or more) and it allowed me to adapt some of my methods of teaching and explaining and cater to the needs of the children more as I got to know them better.
Marissa Guarriello, 2015