Music | Page Rich

I grew up in Bedford, NH and graduated from The Derryfield School in Manchester. I then went on to study at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where I majored in Music and History with a minor in Modern American Politics and Culture. 
I received my Master's in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. My teaching career has given me the opportunity to teach K-8 music and 6th grade English and Math. I have also coached Middle School and Junior Varsity field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball teams. I am a church organist, and over the years have worked as the Organist and Music Director at a number of churches. I am also the Program Director at Alford Lake Camp in Hope, ME, where I have been a camper or staff member for more than 30 years. I love spending time outside, especially sailing, swimming, exploring the wilderness with my family, and skiing. Curling up with a good book and cheering on the Red Sox are also favorite pastimes.

Why do you enjoy teaching music?
I enjoy developing a love for music with my students. This happens through singing, moving to music, listening to music, studying music history, and learning about music theory. I also love to make connections between music and other parts of the curriculum - history, math, art, just to name a few.

How do you define great teaching?
It is so important to help students connect with their learning. It is critical for students to understand why we are learning something - this helps it become more personal, and ultimately interesting. It is important to meet students where they are and then challenge them to push themselves to new levels of understanding, knowing that this is different for each student in the classroom.

Describe your classroom in five words.
Joyful, engaging, safe, friendly, energetic.

What do you like best about the Lower School?
Being part of a community that values each individual. Each person is encouraged to be her/his best self each day, and supported as she/he takes new risks in her/his learning. The Lower School is a joyful place that provides students with the needed structure to feel safe as they grow as students, individuals, and friends. I love that the Lower School provides BA students with the foundation to be successful Middle and Upper School students.
Back

Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 550 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Post-Graduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.