As the school year draws to a close, the Pentucket Regional School District wishes to recognize and recognize the musical staff for their dedication and exemplary work.

This spring, the district received the Best Communities for Music Education award from the NAMM Foundation. Over the past 22 years, this honor has been bestowed on districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in their efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

District music teachers are specialists in their fields of jazz, percussion, strings, vocals and woodwinds, and are active in their professional pursuits by performing, publishing, recording, composing, presenting and by guest directing.

The Pentucket musical team includes:

David Schumacher

David Schumacher is the Bands and Jazz Director for the Pentucket Regional School District, and he worked at Pentucket for 21 years. He is also one of the District Elementary Orchestra and Instrumental Music Specialists, conducts the Pentucket Middle School Regional Jazz Orchestra and also supervises the Pentucket High School Regional Orchestra and jazz ensembles. He is mainly a composer and saxophonist. He composed and conducted his own jazz orchestra in New York City from 2000 to 2014.

Her NYC Jazz Orchestra recording was critically acclaimed and named one of CD Baby’s Top 10 Jazz Albums in 2009. Her music has been commissioned and performed by artists, bands and schools across the country. ; it has been published in several national publications; and has presented at conferences throughout the Northeast.

Schumacher holds an MA in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory with First Class Honors and Distinction in Performance.

“Music is not just something we play, it is a powerful tool for improving the well-being of the individual and their community,” said Schumacher. “Working with our students for up to nine consecutive years places us in a unique position to influence not only their musical abilities, but also their personal growth as human beings. It’s an incredible responsibility – great in every sense of the word – because obviously these were deeply formative years. The socio-emotional learning they experienced throughout our program will continue to have a significant impact on their growth well beyond the graded page. ”

Joe hartigan

Hartigan is an elementary instrumental music specialist and oversees the Pentucket Regional Middle School and Pentucket Regional High School percussion ensembles.

He worked at Pentucket for two years and plays drums with a number of bands performing throughout the New England area including the Deep Blue “C” Studio Orchestra, 60s Invasion and Bonus Cat. He primarily plays drums and percussion, and also gives private drum lessons at Zach Field Drums and Music in Newburyport.

Hartigan holds a BA in Music Education and Music Performance from UMASS Lowell.

“When I was a high school student, my music lessons and private drum lessons were a great source of inspiration and joy,” Hartigan said. “I want to be able to convey that same feeling and love for music to all of my students.”

André Torossian

Torossian is a district conductor and specialist in instrumental music, and oversees the district’s elementary, middle and high school orchestras. He worked at Pentucket for five years, and in his spare time he plays guitar and keyboards for a reggae / rock band called Supernothing. In addition to the guitar, he plays all the instruments of the string orchestra, including cello, violin, viola and bass. He holds an MA in Music Education from UMass Lowell.

“My love for performing and writing music and sharing the precious benefits of being involved in learning an instrument made me want to teach,” Torossian said. “I want students to leave their time with me seeing the value of the essential skills that music can teach that are applicable in everyday life, for example: time management, discipline, patience, responsibility, compassion, teamwork / social skills and more. ”

Kerri MacLennan

MacLennan oversees the Pentucket Regional Middle School and the Pentucket Regional High School Choirs as well as music electives at both schools. She has worked at Pentucket for five years, and is a singer and pianist. MacLennan holds a master’s degree in music education from Boston University as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in music education.

Before the pandemic, she was a member of the Newburyport Choral Society, as well as other choirs and groups. In addition to teaching at Pentucket, she gives private voice and piano lessons at Zach Field Drums and Music and has conducted various A Cappella choirs and groups.

“My philosophy as a music teacher is to empower students to become functional musicians and inspire students to enjoy listening and playing music,” said MacLennan. “I also strive to create authentic performance experiences for my students so that they can apply their skills in the music world. Finally, I focus on creating a safe and welcoming learning environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to make music together. ”

Amy Guerriero

Guerriero is an elementary group and specialist in instrumental music, and teaches the Pentucket Regional Middle School group and optional music classes at the school. She has worked at Pentucket for nine years. Her main instrument is the flute, and she holds an MA in Music Education from UMass Lowell as well as a BA in Music Education from Gordon College. She has been a member of Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums for many years, as well as local chamber groups.

“I became a music teacher because I was passionate about sharing my love of music with others,” Guerriero said. “In my classes and ensembles, I strive to foster an atmosphere of teamwork as we learn to make music together. I enjoy helping students develop the skills to enjoy music throughout. their life, that they continue to create it and actively play it themselves, to appreciate more the music of the world around them. ”

Johanna dickson

Dickson is a music teacher at Merrimac Schools. She teaches weekly K-6 students and has worked with the district for nine years.

Dickson is a graduate of Gordon College and has served as Music Director for several local choirs, theater productions and children’s programs.

“Music is an important part of our overall health and well-being. It brings me immense joy to help young students connect meaningfully to music,” Dickson said. “All students can participate in music, all students can be caring listeners, and all students can benefit from a comprehensive music program. I am deeply grateful to a school district that values ​​music and has made it an important part of it. of the student experience. ”

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in musical creation by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

For more information, visit http://nammfoundation.org.