Art & Music Now: Favorite Music Teachers

With all the "Pomp and Circumstance" behind them, Garden City graduates are now reflecting on their school years.

Who was an inspirational teacher? Which teacher spent time with them so they could develop their talents? Who pushed them to reach a higher level?

Several talented grads shared with Patch their most memorable teachers from the Garden City school district's music department:

• Chris Burcheri, voted one of the top three men for "Most Musical" and "Most Theatrical" in the Mast Yearbook 

"My favorite teacher in the arts at GCHS was Mr. Robert Ludwig. His prodigious depth of knowledge about music theory and music history inspired me to want to pursue a career in music, and his always friendly and approachable demeanor, along with his constantly challenging repertoire selections made Chamber Choir one of the most rewarding experiences in all my four years of high school."

Burcheri plans to major in music at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Heidi Jaye, voted one of the top three women for "Most Theatrical" in the Mast Yearbook

"My favorite teacher was Mr. Stephen Mayo, music education in Garden City High School and Garden City Middle School. I admire his willingness to encourage and promote the musical interests and education of all students, regardless of their individual musical talents. I intend to pursue a degree in music education, and I hope to develop many of his teaching styles. His ability to maintain patience, good humor and dedication, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, is extraordinary. Moreover, he is a gifted and knowledgeable educator who should be commended for his commitment to the furtherance of music in the Garden City schools."

Jaye plans to major in music education at Fairfield University.

• Gabe Mollica, voted one of the top three men for "Most Theatrical" and "Most Musical" in the Mast Yearbook

"Thanks for the opportunity to write about our fabulous music faculty. Mr. Robert Ludwig, our choral director and music theory teacher, was my favorite teacher in Garden City High School. Mr. Ludwig in every way embodies the type of teacher a student in the arts would want. His chipper attitude and infinite knowledge combine for an unmatched classroom experience. However, it is not his musical genius nor his Yale School of Music degree that makes him a marvelous teacher. Mr. Ludwig's passion for making great music and his desire to share it with wide-eyed high school students is what makes him the best teacher I have ever had. 

"This year we sent seven students to All-State and one was an alternate: Chris Burcheri, Nick Pitman, Kim Foxen, Emily Tudisco and Emma Volz and myself to All-State Choir (boys in the Mixed Choir, females in the Women's Chorus) and Donnie Castler to All-State Band for clarinet. Andrew LeCoche was an All-State jazz guitar alternate."

Mollica plans on majoring in music at Hamilton College.

• Allison Shen, salutatorian voted one of the top three women in "Music" in the Mast Yearbook

"My favorite teacher in the arts has been Mrs. Gullotta, the orchestra director. She has been extremely special to me because she taught me to not hold anything back when I play, channeling my emotions through the music. She showed me how important it is to play boldly and confidently, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. Thanks to her, my appreciation of music and my ability to express myself musically have both increased enormously."

Shen plans on double majoring in English and pre-med at Duke University.