Welcome to Band!

Open House 2026

Welcome to a new school year! I hope to work with many new band students this year. Band is open to grades 3-6. Third graders can choose from trumpet or percussion (drums), and grades 4-6 can choose from flute, clarinet, alto or tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and percussion. Directions for renting an instrument are linked below. (Spanish and English are both included). Once a student has an instrument, they will start taking lessons once per week during either music period or WIN period. Older students have rehearsals on Wednesdays after school according to a schedule that I put out every month on Google Classroom. Students do not need any prior knowledge to join- I can teach them everything they need to know. When filling out your rental form, please purchase a lesson book (Sound Innovations Book 1). This will have all of their beginning notes and songs in it. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about joining. My email is [email protected]. I look forward to working together!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UTBHuxG4izPzngkatNQND5lJv-QQ-_opHrEYToG_Ugw/edit?usp=sharing

Band is open to all 4th-6th graders at Franklin School. Additionally, I take a limited number of 3rd graders on trumpet and percussion. No experience is necessary in order to join- all you need is an instrument. Rental instructions are available from me in person or via email.

I aim to create a positive environment in which my students can build a sound foundation on their instrument, find confidence, and connect with their peers as they discover their artistic voice. I love watching my students grow as musicians, feel the joy of performing and take pride in their accomplishments. It is truly an honor to work with them.

Background and Education:

I have been a band teacher in North Bergen since 2006. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the College of New Jersey and my Master's degree in Music Education from Carnegie Mellon University. My major instrument is clarinet and my principal teachers have been Roger McKinney and Tommy Thompson, of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Music is my lifelong hobby and passion. I am a member of the Eastern Wind Symphony, performing at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, and NJPAC. Additionally, I freelance with other orchestras and chamber groups. I also continue to take summer music courses and attend conferences, and enjoy bringing back ideas and resources that we can use here at Franklin. Since I still love to play and improve my own musicianship, I believe that helps me pass on the same motivation to my students.