This week’s spotlight is on C.J. Hooker Middle School Band Teacher Andrew Pacht, a music educator who has been with the district for three years.
Pacht received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Fredonia and master’s degree from The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford.
As someone who grew up in the Hudson Valley, the band teacher said he knew this was where he wanted to work.
“I always planned to teach in this region due to all the love, support and respect that is given to the performing arts,” he said.
Pacht said his goal at the middle school is “to continue fostering a passionate community of lifelong music learners that are able to enjoy and appreciate the performing arts.”
He is most looking forward to opportunities to involve himself and the CJH band program with others.
Outside work, Pacht said he enjoys spending time with friends, performing in various musical groups and playing disc golf.
BONUS FACT: When asked where he would go if he could time travel, the band teacher chose a unique period in the late 1800s.
“I would like to hear a live performance of Arthur Pryor, a virtuosic trombone player that would go on to convince the world that the slide trombone was not becoming obsolete and could handle the technical demands of any music,” said Pacht.
He explained that as a child, Pryor was dubbed the “Boy Wonder from Missouri” who became the star of John Philip Sousa’s famous band.
“To hear him perform as a kid, ready to change everyone’s perception of the trombone, would be really cool,” Pacht said.