Torrington — Students in the city’s schools have the opportunity to learn new skills each year, especially in the music department where children of all ages play and perform year-round.
The city was recently named the best community for music education for the 23rd year in a row. This coincides with the time when Instrumental Music Dean/Music Technology Teacher Wayne Spethtozer was at Torrington High School.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) named Torrington, along with 829 other school districts across the nation, as the state’s only recipient of the award. “The fact that something like that happens every year is a reflection of what’s happening here.”
Teachers, administrators, parents and students alike all attribute the reason why the program is honored each year as “Best Community” is due to the excellent faculty and supportive community that surrounds the program. And many applauded Splettstuzer’s skill in finding instrument grants so that every child could have the opportunity to play an instrument.
early start
Torrington’s music education begins in grade 3 and continues through grade 12, where students learn technique and composition while fine-tuning their playing skills. Not all children start playing an instrument their entire school life, but many do, as evidenced by the busy music classes and rehearsals in every public school in Torrington. .
At Forbes School, teacher Ashley Hayatt teaches 4th and 5th grade students the basics of reading music and translating with instruments. During a recent rehearsal, about 25 students gathered in a Hyatt classroom and sat in line to play woodwinds, brass and percussion. After practicing a series of scales to warm up, the group performed several classical pieces.
Hyatt, who has been a teacher in Torrington for 18 years, said the city was “incredibly supportive of the arts.”
“There’s a lot of stuff here: the Nutmeg (Dance Academy), the Warner Theatre, Five Points, and other galleries. It’s becoming a cultural center that showcases what’s in the city,” she said. “We tell our students that art can be part of their future.
“But it’s also part of their school culture,” she said. “The community is very supportive. In 2022, we had a Band a Palooza concert that was attended by 320 elementary school students. The high school gymnasium was packed to capacity. And children are central to that.” Teachers are the driving force behind our work. “
middle school marcher
At Torrington Middle School, band director Dan Hodgkins agreed. He has worked for the school district for 21 years. On a recent day, students gathered in the bandroom to prepare for the Memorial Day Parade the following week. The students warmed up with horns, clarinets, drums and flutes, but fell silent when Mr. Hodgkins raised his hand. After playing the march several times, the group of more than 50 students left the classroom and marched around the building to the parking lot for practice.
Hodgkins has two musician groups, a 55-member 6th grade band and a 65-member 7th and 8th grade band. Many of them have been participating in music programs since they were in elementary school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment in music programs dropped dramatically.
“We’re starting to build programs again,” Hodgkins said. “During the pandemic, this program was not offered to sixth graders, so last year we had to jump right in and start from scratch. “But others keep doing it and keep playing in high school. It’s slowly coming back.”
Across the hall, string teacher Tia Ward de Leon collaborates with violinists, viola players and cellists to learn how to handle more delicate instruments and perform for fellow students, parents and friends.
“I think our program gives children a more authentic experience,” she said. “The community cares about music education, so we can provide music education.”
In April, juniors of these string players Los Angeles Baez-Batista, 17, Emily Thakuri Penaranda, 16, Chloe Bayat, 16, and Aisley Harrison, 17. 4 years old) joined the cast of ‘Beatles vs. Stones – Musical Showdown’ in April 2018. Warner Theater.
Grand Finale
On May 18, Spretstozer and the band were joined by teacher Conor Sullivan’s high school choir for the annual pop concert in the gymnasium, attended by many family and friends. The night of live music and singing also included a potluck dinner and raffle prizes donated to support music programs and schools.
Senior Alek Zurnak, who attended music programs all through high school, donned his band uniform and had dinner with his family, including his grandparents Elaine and Phil Zurnak.
“Torrington High School has some very caring teachers,” he said. “They do a lot for us and the music program.”
Fir Zurnak smiled proudly as he looked out over the crowded gym. “A lot has changed since the 1950s,” he says. “Kids love it. Teachers are great.”
Parent Jane Pallinkas, who prepared a take-out dinner for her family at a long table, called the music program “amazing.”
“Teachers are what makes Torrington so good,” she says. “They are very dedicated to their students.”
Third-grader Solangel Baez was holding an oboe and munching on cookies. “It’s a big community and that’s what makes this program so great,” she said. “We love our teachers. We love music. We love what we do.”
For teachers like Hodgkins, Ward de Leon, and Hyatt, students are the most important part of their job.
“Many years ago Wayne[Spethstoser]said to me, ‘You’re here because the kids here in Torrington need you,’ and he was right,” Hyatt said. said Mr. “There are frustrating days when things go wrong. The photocopier breaks down, the internet goes down. But it’s true. Our kids need us.”
“When young students start, middle school and high school mentor them, which keeps them in the program,” Hyatt said. “So we’re building this longevity, because then young kids want to be leaders too. It keeps going and broadens their relationship with music.”