Music Teacher Strikes All the Right Chords

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the New England Public Radio 2012 Arts and Humanities Awards Gala recognizing the talents of various artists in Western New England. One of the honorees was our very own Gary Bernice, an outstanding music teacher from the High School of Science and Technology (Sci Tech) who directs the school’s Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Stomp Percussion Ensemble.

Under Gary’s leadership, the band program at Sci Tech provides a comprehensive instrumental music curriculum infused with many student leadership opportunities, and is affectionately known as the “The Pride of Springfield.” Since his arrival in January 2007, the Sci Tech Band has grown tenfold to over 300 students.

Further evidence of the band program’s success is seen in the fact that 98 percent of students who join the band for more than one year graduate from high school; far exceeding the school’s, district and statewide averages. As part of the awards program, Gary rocked the house in leading the Sci Tech Band’s performance of “12 Bar Blues,”a piece highlighting improvised instrumental solos based on a standard 12 bar blues chord progression.

 In accepting the award, Gary thanked his students and spoke fondly of his former mentor (UMASS professor, George Parks), who inspired him to make the most of every second and every minute. More importantly, Gary is not only paying it forward but is profoundly touching the lives of his students, many of whom come from distressed backgrounds and have never picked up an instrument before. He also co-founded the Springfield Mentoring Through Music Program that pairs high school students and younger students together for music lessons.

Gary Bernice is but one of the many outstanding educators we have in Springfield Public Schools making a difference everyday in the lives of students. I’d say our music future is in very good hands!