Ellie Everywhere: Jason Boemio, Music Teacher at Troy School 18

Hi, everyone! I’m back today interviewing Mr. Boemio. Mr. Boemio is my music teacher down at School 18! I like music class because Mr. Boemio is fun and teaches us dances.

How are you all today? I’m doing great! Get your popcorn, comfy seats, and cake, and get ready for a great interview!!!! Here we go!!!!

Ellie:
Okay, so for my first question, let’s start at the beginning. How did music catch your eye?

Mr. Boemio:
How did music catch my eye?

Ellie:
Yeah. How did you fall in love with music?

Mr. Boemio:
Well, you know, my parents always listened to a lot of music at home. And I remember, I think I was in first grade – for Christmas, Santa Claus brought me my first (what we used to call) boombox so we could play CDs. My parents had tons of CDs and they listened to music all the time. They are a really
big fan of what we call the ‘old days’, so lots of music from the 50s and the 60s. And so that’s how I learned to love music when I was at home.

In school, my first music class was sixth-grade chorus. And on that first day, I just fell in love with singing in a big ensemble with all my friends and a teacher. I had been singing in chorus ever since I was in sixth grade, every year in school and out of school. Now as an adult, I just love it so much.

Ellie:
Great answer. This should be an easy question. What instrument did you start on, And why?

Mr. Boemio:
The first instrument I ever played was the piano. But it wasn’t until I was much older. I think I was 17 years old. I wanted to learn to play in school. But unfortunately, I changed schools when I was in sixth grade. And the new school I went to didn’t take new players, can you believe that? They wouldn’t take a new student to learn a new instrument because kids in the sixth grade have already been playing for a year, since fifth grade. But I didn’t get to play in fifth grade. So I didn’t get the chance to pick up an instrument at school, which kind of made me a little sad at the time. And even now, I wish I had the chance to play something when I was younger. But the first instrument I really started to learn to play was the piano and I’m okay, I’m decent at piano.

Ellie:
Even better answer. Third question. Why did you choose to be a music teacher?

Mr. Boemio:
Oh, that’s an easy one. I had the best music teachers growing up. Mrs. Burnett was my high school chorus teacher. And Dr. Kennedy was my college choral teacher. And those two teachers were the most
influential musicians and educators I have ever had the chance to sing with and study with. And because of them and their work, their teaching style, and the way that they showed their children, their students, how much they loved music is the reason why I continued on that path in that career to become a music teacher myself.

Ellie:
Okay, and here is my big fourth question. What is your favorite thing about teaching music?

Mr. Boemio:
Oh, there are so many. But I think my favorite thing about teaching music is seeing the smiles on all the children’s faces. When they learn a new song when they play an instrument when they ‘get’ something musically. When they are successful and see how happy everyone is. Being able to perform for their classmates, being able to perform at home for their families, knowing that at the end of the day, more than just learning music, they have a love and appreciation for it and it makes them smile and it makes them feel good. And it makes them so happy and proud of their work. I think that is my favorite part about teaching – how much all the kids love and appreciate participating in music not just in school, but by taking it out into their homes and into their communities.

Ellie:
Now, before we go, is there a little tip you would like to give to the future musicians out there?

Mr. Boemio:
Yes, it’s never too late. I hope nobody ever thinks that because they’re older, or because maybe someone told them that they are not the best singer or the best music player. It’s never too late to learn a new craft, to learn something new, to pick up an instrument, and to do something for the love of music. Right? If you really appreciate and love music, go for it. Pick up a new instrument, learn something new. Learn a new song, do something outside your comfort zone. Go out and sing, join a choir. Do it because you just love it. It’s never too late to start or even pick it up again.

Ellie:
Thanks a lot for letting me interview you. Bye.

That’s it for today, folks! See you again, well… I don’t know when, but you will see more of me soon!!!!