As Wayne Hills begins its new school year, band director Anne Pascale begins her new role. She is a TCNJ (The College of New Jersey) graduate and the first female from TCNJ to get a high school band directing job right out of undergrad in the last twenty years! She’s incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be at Hills.
With new beginnings often comes uncertainty, but Pascale commendably looks on the bright side. “I was both excited and nervous about the new school year,” says Pascale, “but once things started rolling, I felt better because I remembered that I am surrounded by an incredible team of educators and an incredible team of students.” She believes the best part about teaching is not just watching the growth of students, but connecting with them.
What makes Pascale unique is how she has grown alongside the students she now teaches. When asked how it feels now that Ms. Pascale is band director having shared experiences with her throughout the years, Fernanda Badillo, a senior thoroughly involved with the band program, states, “I think she has developed into one of the strongest teachers here at Hills.” She includes that her style of teaching is admirable and refreshing, and that, from her experience, students under the guidance of Pascale feel both safe and supported.
Pascale not only now directs the program, but was also a part of it, as she is a Wayne Hills alumni. The program has affected her deeply, and she wishes to give that same positive experience to her students in the present and future. “I think the band program is an important experience because it teaches you how to be part of something bigger than yourself,” she says. The band program is open to students of all levels, and fosters many useful skills such as creativity, leadership, and dedication.
She encourages students to make music with others, “We’d love to teach you, and we’d love to help you hone your skills!” Pascale will no doubt provide a wonderful experience for students and cultivate a beautiful environment through her music education.
