Music
in Monticello
Who's Who: Nancy Wegrzyn
Name: Nancy Wegrzyn
Position & school(s): MHS Orchestra, AP Music
Theory, Department Instructional Lead of the Performing Arts
grades 6-12.
How long have you been teaching? 38 years How long in
Monticello: 34 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, principal
violist of Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra, freelance violist
for choral groups and opera companies in the Hudson Valley.
What’s your favorite part of your job? The
energy emitted by interacting in the arts.
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? Joshua Bell, Yo
Yo Ma.
What CD is in your CD player right now? The
soundtrack of “The Sound of Music"
What are your hobbies? Camping, Biking
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.
