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Name: Peri Berman

Position & school(s): Vocal/General music at Chase and Cooke Elementary Schools

How long have you been teaching? This is my second year.

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold?  I went to college at Temple University in Philadelphia and received a Bachelor's of Music (BM) in Music Education.

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame?  I was in the world premiere of the opera "Violet Fire" while in college. I also had the opportunity to perform on NBC's Today Show with the Temple University Diamond Marching Band. I was the Corresponding Secretary for my college's chapter of CMENC (Collegiate Music Educator's National Conference).  I'm also the Musical Director of Community Children's Theater in Dutchess County.  I had a flute student do really well on her first NYSSMA solo last year.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Seeing the moment when a student grasps a concept, especially a more difficult one. I also like it when a student is able to teach another student successfully.

Why did you become a music teacher?  I wanted to share my love and knowledge for music with children.  I want everyone to have a positive and enriching music education.

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher?  I was a student. I have also worked as a sales associate for Things Remembered in Poughkeepsie and I worked as a camp counselor for four summers. I have done a lot of performing as well in various community theater productions and community choirs.

In your opinion, why do you think music education is important?  Music education is important because it teaches many valuable things.  It can teach math, history, culture, physics among other subjects.  Music is a way to express oneself when words or the spoken language isn't enough.  Music is so powerful as a form of expression that it is often one of the first things to get banned or controlled by totalitarian governments. If music was not important, that would not be necessary. Music is one of the most basic and common forms of expression that all cultures, religions, ages and genders share. It is a way to show and express something we all have in common.

Who is your favorite musician?  I don't really have a favorite but I do like many Broadway performers and Sarit Hadad.

What CD is in your CD player right now?  Maury Yeston's Phantom

What are your hobbies?  Reading, Singing, Performing in Community Theater productions, needlepoint and art projects.
 
What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician?  Never give up. Keep practicing and auditioning as much as you can and one day you will succeed.

Anything else you'd like to add? I'm enjoying teaching at Monticello so far.  I've met so many supportive and encouraging people.