Mr. Andrew Mayo (Teacher of the Year '08-'09)

Instrumental Music Teacher

Classroom 107

Andrew_Mayo@Whps.org

Hi!

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I teach fourth and fifth graders how to play musical instruments.  Students choose which instrument they want to play at the end of third grade, after checking out all of the instruments in the band and orchestra. Students get lessons each week, and also attend a band or orchestra rehearsal once a week as well.  There are concerts in the Winter and Spring where students perform for their classmates and their parents.

Educational Background:

  • Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, Masters in Music Education
  • The Hartford Conservatory, Diploma in Jazz Performance
  • Princeton University, Bachelor of Arts

Hobbies & Interests:

I also play and record children's music. Some of the music is traditional folk music, and some of it is original music. I have also written a bunch of songs based on popular children's books like Is Your Mama a Llama? Check out my website at www.andymayomusic.com.

I enjoy cooking, especially with the help of my little children. You haven't made cookies until you've had help from a four year old.

I love the outdoors, and have climbed mountains in the Appalachains, the Rockies, and the Sierra Nevada Range.

Family:

We live here in West Hartford. My wife and I have three children, the oldest of whom is four-and-a-half, the second of which is two-and-a-half, and the youngest of whom is 8 months old.

Travel:

We've toured the West a number of times, going to California, Colorado and Arizona as often as we can!

In 2000 we went on a three week tour of China. What an amazing country!

My favorite trip was in 1998 when my wife and I went to Thailand for four weeks. The history  is amazing, the landscapes are astonishing, and throughout our trip we were really touched by how sweet people in Thailand are.

Favorite Music:

I'm a huge Steely Dan fan. Donald Fagen may be the best singer/songwriter ever!

I'm a big Pat Metheney fan, though for traditional jazz I respect Stan Getz the most.

For classical music, I love Debussy, Stravinsky and Holst.  I'm also a big Wagner fan, and went to see the whole Ring Cycle a few years back.