I had the opportunity to talk to a beloved teacher here at East- Symphonic band and Music Theory teacher Mrs. Leavy. So many students consider her an icon here, and I got to learn about the wonderful journey she has had that makes her an incredible teacher.
She is a graduate of Hofstra University, receiving her undergraduate degree in Music Education, and Masters in Wind Conducting/Secondary Education. She started her teaching career almost 20 years ago, starting in a different district part-time. The rest of her career so far has been here in Smithtown, and she taught at all the middle schools before ending up here at East. She is now currently in her fourth year teaching here!
When I asked her what inspired her to become a music teacher, she stated that she wanted to be a music teacher since 7th grade. She has played Clarinet since 4th grade, and she came to the conclusion that getting to teach music everyday was pretty cool (and I agree 100%). She’s had many influential teachers as well who fostered her love for music, including her first and only female Band teacher when she was in 9th grade. She states they were all incredibly helpful and encouraging.
As someone who wants to go into music education once I graduate, I had to ask her if there was any memory she will never forget of a student, colleague, or concert that has stuck with her. Her answer was really enlightening, “One of the greatest things about being a teacher are all of the memories I get to make with new students every year. Back towards the beginning of my career I had three eighth grade trumpet players who challenged themselves to play a difficult trio for adjudication at NYSSMA. Watching them practice, learn, and perform their piece made my music teacher heart so happy!” She also recalls performing at the famous Carnegie Hall for the first time and competing at Hershey in Music in the Parks to be major moments in her career. Mrs. Leavy also loves the little moments of everyday life as a teacher, “the little inside jokes that happen with each new class or group, watching new friendships form, and the collective feeling of achievement when the group comes together and plays something we’ve been working really diligently on.” Those smaller moments, she says, stick with her.
I asked her what she thought she would be if she wasn’t a music teacher, and she stated that she would be an italian teacher instead, and if she couldn’t be a teacher she would be a librarian, and I can’t see her being either one!
Like so many others here at East, I am grateful I have a teacher like Mrs. Leavy. To quote her, The music department is a wonderful place, and knowing that I will someday be able to experience the joy and awesome-ness of the job gives me a sense of reassurance. Mrs. Leavy is a perfect example of what it means to be a role model. One thing I know for sure, you can learn more from your teachers than the subject they teach, you can learn life lessons you will be able to carry into adulthood.