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Name: Aaron Rovitz

Position & school(s): General music teacher in RJK Middle School, Music in Our Lives in the High School, instrumental lessons in the High School, Principles and Practices of the Performing Arts in the High School.

How long have you been teaching? 3 months. How long at Monticello? 3 months.

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold? New York University- Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, SUNY Fredonia-Bachelor of Music.

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? Granted a senior honors recital, toured with the Fredonia Saxophone Ensemble, toured with the Fredonia Curricular Jazz Ensemble.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Learning more about my subject matter and getting to share what I learn with the students.

Why did you become a music teacher? Because of my belief that public education plays a crucially important role in determining the quality of our society, and a passion for my subject matter.

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher? Campground maintenance, landscaping, and waiter.

In your opinion, why do you think music education is important? Music education is an essential part of any educational program. Music is as much a part of what defines our culture as the books we read, the science we believe in, or the laws we follow. When historians look back at any culture or society, music is always one of the aspects included in the assessment of that culture or society's level of advancement. In addition, studying music simultaneously aids in the development of both cognitive and motor skills in a way that no other discipline can. Through music, students combine all areas of education including Math (rhythm reading), Science (balance and acoustics), Language (interpreting various musical markings), history (the musical trends and social events surrounding a piece of music), and even Physical (proper breathing techniques and hand-eye coordination).
How has music influenced your life? It has helped me to better understand myself and the world around me, making me a happier and more balanced person.

Who is your favorite musician? Impossible to choose. Some favorites that come to my mind are Sonny Rollins, J.S. Bach, and Frank Zappa.

What CD is in your CD player right now? A mix CD given to me by a middle school student. It's pretty cool.

What are your hobbies? Spending time with friends and family, listening to music, practicing various instruments, and watching films.

What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician? Work hard, keep an open mind, and listen to everyone and everything. Then decide what you like.

Anything else you'd like to add? Music is the best.