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Mr. Burgess - Band Mr. Burgess is the newest faculty member of the EO Smith Music Department, joining the EO Smith Music Department in Fall 2010. However, this is not his first teaching experience here, as he first taught at E.O. Smith under Mr. Nardine in Spring 2007.
Here’s what Mr. Burgess says about his students and teaching career:
What is your favorite aspect of teaching at E.O. Smith High School?
“There are many wonderful aspects of teaching at EOS, but the advanced level of music making is by far the best (iAAtM – it’s ALL ABOUT the MUSIC)! I have always been impressed by the caliber of the students here at E.O. Smith. The music program at EOS is recognized throughout the state of CT for its high quality of instruction and performance and I am humbled to be a part of this family of excellent student musicians and faculty colleagues.”
Why did you choose teaching music as a career?
When I was in the third grade at Gildersleeve Elementary School in Portland, CT, my teacher (Mrs. Robitaille) provided for me the opportunity to teach a lesson on a topic of my choice. I was, and still am an avid Titanic and ocean-liner fan so this topic was an obvious choice for me. I do not remember much about the lesson but I do remember Mrs. Robitaille telling me that I would make a wonderful teacher! It is amazing how those little moments stick in the back of your mind! Fast forward three years to the Portland Middle School…my band director (Mrs. Hansen) offered several clubs as part of the band experience. I elected to join the conducting club because it sounded neat and because I love being in charge! After a few rudimentary conducting lessons, I was completely hooked! Both of these experiences converged in my mind and the rest is history! My path to EOS was a very long and wandering one but I don’t regret my decision to become a music teacher one bit. I learned to surround myself with incredible mentors and to listen to my heart!"
Mr. Burgess has many years of experience prior to joining the E.O. faculty. He has been Director of Bands at Rocky Hill High School in Rocky Hill, CT, taught symphonic band, jazz band, competitive field show marching band. He was an instrumental music teacher at West Hill and Myrtle H. Stevens Elementary Schools in Rocky Hill, CT. Additionally, Mr. Burgess is the founding music director and conductor of the Connecticut Wind Ensemble.
When he is not conducting, Mr. Burgess pursues several hobbies. He is an outdoor enthusiast in every sense of the word. He loves cooking (with an Italian influence) and the Food Network – Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, is his favorite personality. He also tends to his car, a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 5.3 V8.
Factoids: Students may be surprised to know…
Education Mr. Burgess holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. He is dedicated to the study of music and plans to pursue his MM and DMA in instrumental conducting. He says, “The degrees are not about the diploma or title but about the experiences that are afforded in pursuit of those degrees. Never stop learning!!!” |
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 17 years ago with only 13 chorus students, 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 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…
Education
Ms. Rowe received her undergraduate degree cum laude from University of Connecticut. She earned her MFA magna cum laude from University of California. |
Mr. Chaurette – Orchestra Mr. Chaurette has been Orchestra Director at E.O. Smith High School for 5 years. An avid musician, he is active in numerous musical activities outside of school time. He teaches bass at University of Connecticut and at the Community School for the Arts, is the Music Director of the Seven Hills Symphony (a community orchestra based in Worcester, MA), and he maintains an active schedule as a freelance conductor and bass player. 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…
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. |