I'm so proud of Dominic Catalfimo (1st in the state) and Andrew Augeri (3rd in the state) for their amazing performances at the NHMEA Jazz All State Festival this weekend!

In the past three years, 18 kids have been selected to perform at this festival. 10 out of those 18 kids are/were private students of mine. I’m immensely proud of this and all of my students!

I am thrilled to announce that two of my private students were selected to perform at the NHMEA Jazz All State Festival this year ❤️ Congratulations to Dominic Cole who placed 1st in the state and Andrew Augeri who placed third in the state! I’m so proud of you and all the hard work you put in!

Congratulations to student Ben A for winning the Louie Armstrong Jazz Award! Ben was recognized for his leadership in his schools jazz ensemble as well as in his own jazz combo that performed at community events. Ben’s majoring in criminal justice at Norwich University next year. Congratulations Ben!

A massive congratulation to all of my students who performed at the Taco Tour this year! Congratulations to Mason, Aiden, Dominic, Carter, Holden, Geno, Jolon, Caleb, Mason L, Mason D, Jeo, and George!

I want to take a second to acknowledge all of our amazing and talented students who participated in our spring recital. It was a great turnout and everyone who performed did amazing!

In my experience, the students who make the most progress are the ones who have a sense of humor and don’t get upset when they don’t ”get” something right away. It always kills me when a student makes a mistake and they get angry, or irritated, or they start to put themselves down. Sure, I’ve gotten frustrated in the practice room (anyone who’s put all their effort into something has) but I never let it determine my self worth. I always want to stop the lesson and explain that they joy isn’t “getting it” the joy is in developing it. If this isn’t understood then the student starts to associate practice with negativity and they stop or quit. Enjoy the struggle, because it’s not about becoming perfect it’s about discovering something you’re willing to struggle for.

Congratulations to Zealand Broadley, Andrew Augeri, Dominic Catalfimo, and Ben Adams!

I’m very proud to announce that 4 out of the 6 drummers chosen to perform at the NHMEA Jazz Festival this year are private students of mine. They all worked incredibly hard to get to this point and have earned this recognition! I can’t wait to come support you at the festival in February!

Good luck to student Dominic Cole who’s going to be performing with Recycled Percussion tonight on stage with 23 other drummers at the Sky Show at 8pm! 🙂