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Name: Michael Mingo

Position & school(s): Middle school band director; lessons at Duggan Elementary School, Kaiser Middle School, Rutherford Elementary School and Monticello High School

How long have you been teaching? 6 years. How long at Monticello? 4 years.

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold? Nassau Community College - Music performance; SUNY Fredonia - Music education

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? 

• SUNY Fredonia Music Award recipient for three years

• Played for the Ambassador of Ghana

• Played in the world's largest marimba ensemble in 1998

What’s your favorite part of your job? Working with students.

Why did you become a music teacher? Because of great teachers. 

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher? I worked for a contractor building houses.

In your opinion, why do you think music education is important? 
It's not just about music, it's about life. How to be prepared, be disciplined.

How has music influenced your life? I had great teachers that taught music, but also a lot about life. 

Who is your favorite musician? Buddy Rich or Jean Kruppa. It's a tie. 

What CD is in your CD player right now? Dave Wekel "Rhythm of the Soul" 

What are your hobbies? Ride my four-wheeler, play my drums, hunting, railroads model/real. I love to be outside. 

What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician? Practice.

Anything else you'd like to add? Listen to all types of music.