An exciting newsflash regarding The Morgan School is Mr. Orduz, the new band teacher. He teaches Rock Band, Band, and Beginning Guitar. He has also been a band teacher at Jared Eliot Middle School for approximately 2 years. Currently, he works at both schools by switching from Morgan to Eliot in the afternoon.
As a child, he had disappointing experiences with band teachers. He hopes to meet his students’ needs to achieve a different outcome than his. In his opinion, music is undervalued as an educational subject, which is why he wants to provide students with as many opportunities in the field of music as possible. He started his musical journey when he first picked up a saxophone at 10 years old, and then the euphonium at 16 years old. Being passionate about playing his favorite instruments leads him to firmly believe they should be taught in all schools for all ages. All students should be given the chance to learn music as a part of their school experience, and he wants to be the initiator at Morgan. “He inspires me to be better,” said freshman band student Mekai Howard.
Mr. Orduz spoke positively about his experience at Morgan so far, and on how collaborative it is to work with the new staff and students. He explained that the staff and students have been exceptionally kind and welcoming to him. “It’s been really fun working as a band teacher, and the school overall is just welcoming,” he said. Enthusiastically, he said that he looks forward to this year in Morgan.
Mr. Orduz said he wants to see progression within his students. He wants them to further understand him not just as a teacher, but as a human being. He shares what keeps him motivated. One of the most important incentives for him to teach is to provide good experiences and satisfactory end products for his classes. This helps students perform better for upcoming concerts, have a better outlook on music; and value the instruments they are learning to play. “He’s very knowledgeable and nice. A really good teacher,” said sophomore Beginning Guitar student Anthony Watrous.
Mr. Orduz expresses that he is someone who separates his work matters from his personal life. He is focused and prompt when teaching and makes it a priority to manage his students’ playing instruments. “He’s fantastic, both a great teacher and a great person,” said freshman band student Alex Vece. In comparison, during his free time, he relaxes and is out of teaching mode.
His life outside of education pertains to the kind of music he likes. The trombone is the main instrument he plays, and his music taste is ever-changing. Although he does not have a set genre he mainly listens to, he enjoys progressive rock and its subgenres. Like many, he uses music to express himself and varies his music according to what he’s feeling.
Students should consider taking a music elective such as Band or Beginning Guitar. Music is an enriching experience for students of all grades and skill levels. It can be a unique and exciting subject, as well as a new opportunity for the future.
