Mr. Nardine - Band

Mr. Nardine has conducted band at E.O. Smith High School for 21 years, and has been head of the Music Department for the last 20 years. Prior to E.O. Smith, he taught for 9 years at Lyman Memorial High School in Lebanon, CT. Over the course of his career, Mr. Nardine has also instructed students from kindergarten up through middle school, and confesses that he has loved teaching at all levels, not just high school!

A longtime musician himself, Mr. Nardine is proficient in trombone, bass and voice, and has performed with the 18th Army Band, the 76th Division Army Reserve Band and the 94th Army Reserve Band of New England. He has also conducted at University of Connecticut, Yale University, and numerous music festivals in the state.

Here's what Mr. Nardine says about his students and teaching career:

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at E.O. Smith High School?

"I feel so lucky to be a teacher. It is all I ever wanted to be. I love the kids, it keeps me young."

Outside of school, Mr. Nardine continues his musical pursuits, playing bass and singing in a Classic Rock and Blues Band on weekends. He also enjoys doing stone work, a craft that goes back for generations on both sides of his family. He loves perennial flowers and is constantly working in his gardens.

Factoid: Students may be surprised to know…

Mr. Nardine toured the US with a world renowned polka band during his senior year in high school, playing about 125 gigs with Dick Pillar and his Orchestra "The Polkabration Band." Maybe even more surprising: in that same year, Mr. Nardine was awarded all 3 high school scholarships in history-social studies – but none in music!

Education

Mr. Nardine received his undergraduate degree and Masters degree from University of Connecticut. He has also done graduate work in conducting at The Hartt School in West Hartford, CT.

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Ms. Rowe – Chorus

Ms. Rowe loves teaching and is strongly committed to her students. An enthusiastic teacher, she began at E.O. Smith High School with only 13 chorus students 16 years ago, and has since grown the group to over 160 singers. During her tenure at the high school, she has also taught music appreciation, music history, music theory and piano class, and has directed school musicals.

Here’s what Ms. Rowe says about her students and teaching career:

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at E.O. Smith High School? 
“My favorite part of teaching at E.O. Smith is the incredible commitment the students have. They are truly amazing. I can't wait to see them every day, and really do miss them during the summer. I also love when they keep in touch after they graduate. My least favorite part is getting up so early for school and saying goodbye to the seniors.”

Why did you choose teaching music as a career?
“I had a music teacher in high school that changed my life. I went to college largely because he pushed me to. He was also a key person when I hit road blocks in college-he pushed when I needed it. His name was Mr. Richard Sterner and he was the best!“ Ms. Rowe worked full time while going to college full time. She wants students to know that even if they don't have the money, if college is important to them, they CAN do it!

Ms. Rowe is active in the arts outside of school as well, and has directed Summer Youth Theater for 18 years, was Church Choir director in Mansfield, and served as President of the Arts Council in Columbia. She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and describes herself as a voracious reader.

Prior to EO Smith, Ms. Rowe has worked with students in grades K-12, and has taught in 5 other Connecticut school districts, including East Hartford, Willimantic, Lebanon and Mansfield.  She has also taught voice privately.

Ms. Rowe lives in Columbia. She has been married for over 30 years and has four sons.

Factoid: Students may be surprised to know…
Ms Rowe is addicted to clothes shopping. Her defense? She grew up in a housing project, so she never had much of a wardrobe when she was a kid.

Education
Ms. Rowe received her undergraduate degree cum laude from University of Connecticut. She earned her MFA magna cum laude from University of California.

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Mr. Chaurette – Orchestra

Here’s what Mr. Chaurette says about his students and teaching career:

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at E.O. Smith High School?
“My favorite thing about E.O. Smith is the positive attitude of the students I work with. They are willing to try new things and have a desire to maintain a strong, thriving musical community here at the school and in the surrounding towns.”

Why did you choose teaching music as a career?
“I came to teaching in my late 20's. After years of traveling from gig to gig I wanted to be part of a stable community of musicians where I could share my musical knowledge.”

Prior to E.O. Smith, Mr. Chaurette worked as a professional bassist performing around the country with the Boston Philharmonic, Illinois Symphony, Portland Symphony, New Hampshire Symphony and many others. He has also taught at Western New England College, University of Massachusetts Boston, and in the Cambridge Public Schools.

Mr. Chaurette lives in Putnam, where he also enjoys spending time playing with his two beagles.

Factoid: Students may be surprised to know…
Mr. Chaurette is obsessed with turkeys.

Education
Mr. Chaurette earned his BM from Boston Conservatory, and holds an MM from University of Illinois. He is currently pursuing Doctoral studies in Conducting at the University of Connecticut.

BLOG
Visit Mr. Chaurette’s Orchestra Blog here.

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