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Name: Timothy Buckley

Position & school(s): Vocal/General music at RJK & MHS

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

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold? I went to college at SUNY Potsdam at the Crane school of music for Music Education. I currently have Bachelors in Music education.

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? My college concert choir was invited and sang at the ACDA conference held in NYC a few years back where we sang in St. Thomas cathedral.

What's your favorite part of your job? Getting students interested in the topic and participating in music. I also enjoy using current songs when possible to show the connection between what is learned in class and what they are listening to in the pop culture.

Why did you become a music teacher? Music is one of the few things every culture shares and gives importance to. One could almost say it is a universal language and as such merits enough importance to study and pass on. I also always enjoyed music and figured why not make a career of it?

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher? In the past I was a student with many questions, a landscaper, a farm hand, a day care employee, and a substitute teacher.
In your opinion, why do you think music education is important? As I said before music is universal and is used in many cultures in various ways. There is also a common tradition to use music to mourn. Celebrate and even dance to in each culture. I believe that this alone is fact enough as to why music is important and why music education should be taught. We must continue to pass on the importance of music both present and past to inspire future composers, performers and listeners.

Who is your favorite musician? Too many to name. I enjoy everything from Fergie, The Rat Pack, Bluegrass and country to Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. Sometimes I even find inspiration in the pieces by Schoenberg, Webern and Rap.

What CD is in your CD player right now? A mix of Pavarotti, Arrogant Worms, and Binghamton Crosby's.

What are your hobbies? Frisbee, Yoga, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Skiing, Singing, Performing, Reading, and anything that seems to interest me.
 
What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician? Love what you do, work hard, never stop learning and keep on keeping on and you will be just fine.
 
Anything else you'd like to add? I'm looking forward to this upcoming year and cannot wait to get started!