March 18, 2024
By Rebecca Ruiz
Staff Writer
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project for Music in Our Schools Month.
For some LHS students, music electives and extracurriculars are not just classes or hobbies but potential careers. These students aspire to pass on their talents to future generations of musicians.
Band director Mr. Chwalyk is well-versed in the music education process and frequently offers advice to his students wanting to pursue a music career.
In 2010, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University in music theory/composition and music education with a concentration in instrumental music. In 2022, he completed his master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in instruction from The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
Chwalyk said in light of the national teacher shortage, he is glad his students are interested in becoming music teachers.
“Teacher shortages are a real problem nationwide, and I’m happy to hear evidence of Lyndhurst’s own fighting back against this dangerous and rising tide, at least within the music realm,” Chwalyk said.
He said students looking to become music teachers must be willing to give up time they would have spent at home.
“Students interested in this vocation must accept that personal time is generally more limited than teachers of most other subjects…. Ultimately, you have to love music to teach music,” Chwalyk said.
He said students are sometimes unaware of the reality of being an educator, especially a music teacher.
“Anyone going down this path must acknowledge that there is definitely work involved, but if you are ready and willing to do it, then you get to participate in one of the greatest educational traditions our country has to offer,” Chwalyk said.
“If I go to college for music, I would be able to, unlike other majors, perform for people and make them happy.”
Junior Gianna Scardino said her experience in the LHS music program has inspired her to pursue a career in music education. She said her goal is to become a high school concert band director.
“Having music be such an important part of my life, I want to have that effect on people and do what [Chwalyk and assistant marching band master Mr. Coffey] do,” Scardino said.
She said being a music teacher is a better fit for her than being a professional musician.
“[There is] more guaranteed financial stability, and I really want to create an outlet for students,” Scardino said.
Sophomore Joseph Brennen, who plans to double major in music education and music performance, said he would like to start his career as a high school band director. When he is older and more experienced, he wants to become a college professor.
“I would like to work with more advanced students who are committed to going further,” Brennen said.
Brennen said he would like to perform in a band, which he already does in his spare time.
“I play in jam sessions with my friends. Sometimes we go out and perform gigs and have gotten paid,” Brennen said.
He said he thinks he will enjoy studying music in college because it differs from traditional academic majors.
“If I go to college for music, I would be able to, unlike other majors, perform for people and make them happy,” Brennen said.
He said he wants to major in music so he can spend his life doing something he loves.
“I think it’s important in life to be comfortable, and in musical environments, I tend to be really comfortable,” Brennen said.
Sophomore Lyz Herrera said she is planning to major in music education and become an elementary school band director. She said her education at LHS is helping her reach those goals.
“With every piece I get to play, the lessons I [can] attend each week and the class I have almost every day, I’m able to improve and experience being in a band in a classroom setting,” Herrera said.
She said her inspirations for wanting to teach music are her teachers, Chwalyk and Coffey.
“They made me realize I can actually pursue a career in something I love so much. They showed me how much of an impact a good director can have on students and their potential,” Herrera said.
She said she feels lucky that she is in a school with such supportive band directors.
“Tons of band students all over aren’t able to explore or develop a passion for music because of directors who don’t think it’s worth the effort to help,” Herrera said. “I wouldn’t be here today or be the person I am without the amazing directors or supporters I had until this point… and if I think I could be that for future students, that’s worth all my effort.”
