Who's Who: Nancy Wegrzyn

Name: Nancy Wegrzyn

Position & school(s): MHS - Orchestra, Chamber Music, AP Music Theory --- Lead Teacher/Instrumental Music

How long have you been teaching? 30 years

Where did you go to college? Bachelor of Music - SUNY Fredonia, Master of Music Ed - College of St. Rose

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? 12 NYS "Meet the Composer" Awards, NYSSMA Certified All-State Adjudicator, Served on All-State Orchestra Selection Committee twice, presenter at state music conferences in NY and NH, conductor of All County Orchestras in Orange and Dutchess counties, music arranger for Weekend of Chamber Music, principal violist of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra for 15 years, freelance violist for choral groups and opera companies in the Hudson Valley.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Teaching adolescents.

Why did you become a music teacher? I was inspired by my teachers. I couldn't imagine having a career in which I wasn't having fun, and now I have fun every day.

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher? No

In your opinion, why do you think music education is important? Music is in the daily fabric of our lives, although often in the background. We are a sad education system indeed if we teach our kids to read and do math, but not to explore the creative and emotional parts of their beings through the arts.

How has music influenced your life? Music is my life.

Who is your favorite musician? Joseph Bertolozzi. He's trying to use the Eiffel Tower as a musical instrument. How cool is that?

What CD is in your CD player right now? My iPod has become very eclectic - Kanye West to Turtle Island String Quartet

What are your hobbies? Camping, Biking, Working out

What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician? Do what you love and love what you do, but don't expect to succeed without hard work.