Music
in Monticello
Who's Who: Michael Mingo
Position & school(s): Elementary, Middle school band director; lessons 5-12.
How long have you been teaching?
15 years. How long at Monticello? 13 years.
Where did you go to college? What degrees do you
hold?
Nassau Community College - AAS, Music performance; SUNY Fredonia
- Bachelors, Music education; NYIT - Masters with Distinction,
Instructional Technology
Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame?
Studied with Jim Chapin and Ronnie Gould. Also, met and
worked with many great drummers/ percussionists.
Played in a rock band, the guitar player's father was Johnny
Maestro.
SUNY Fredonia Music Award recipient for three years.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with students and teaching music.
Why did you become a music teacher?
Because of great music 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 focused.
How has music influenced your life?
I had great teachers that taught music, but also 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?
I saw Rush this summer at Jones Beach, so now I'm listening to
"Moving Pictures". But on the way home I listen to the New York
Phil with Lenny conducting the Holtz "Planets".
What are your hobbies?
My two boys, I try to practice, ride my four-wheeler, hunting,
competition shooting, railroads model/real.
What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician?
Practice, good quality practices!
Anything else you'd like to add?
Listen to all types of music.
