In this essay I could tell you that my teacher is everything a good teacher should be, but that would be a lie. My teacher isn't everything a good teacher should be – he is everything an exemplary teacher should be. The teacher I speak of is Mr. Patrick Cantagallo, band director at Hawthorn Middle North. He is also a cross-country coach, athletic director, music teacher, jazz band director, trumpet player in a band, expectant father, NASCAR enthusiast, and my Girl Scout advisor.
Because Mr. Cantagallo directs three bands, he has triple the job. But I think he likes getting to tell his funny stories multiple times each day. When we are tired in band, he tells us stories to give us a rest from playing. As a band director, he is unique. When he describes musical notes, he doesn't just say, “Make it shorter” – he says, “Splat splat make it short bop.” When we asked him what “splat” was, he said it's like when you get a wet paper towel and throw it against the wall.
Mr. Cantagallo's class is never boring. Something funny always happens. Don't get me wrong, band isn't a madhouse; it's a fun class where we learn a lot and make friends. The atmosphere he creates makes us feel free to express ourselves, which helps us bond with our bandmates.
Mr. Cantagallo is also a cross-country coach. He loves running and is very zealous, which makes him a good coach. He is a role model and is very committed to everything he does. Mr. Cantagallo has a passion for music and uses it to help others.
If I had to pick Mr. Cantagallo's favorite genre of music, I would say jazz. As director of our jazz band, he has us play really fun songs. I never liked jazz until this year, but now I can't wait to do it again next year. I discovered a new passion and I have him to thank!
Mr. Cantagallo is a spectacular trumpet player. He has spunk and if he makes a mistake he doesn't pause and turn crimson, he just keeps playing. He always tells us, “When you're driving a race car and you make a mistake, you can't think, Oh no, I just messed up! You have to keep going and just pretend it never happened, and people won't notice.” This is really helpful advice, and I use it a lot.
Some might wonder why a male teacher would be helping out with Girl Scouts. I have to admit that when I was considering him as my advisor, I was skeptical that he would want to do it. But when I asked him, he was honored and very enthusiastic. He is always saying, “Am I doing everything I'm supposed to?” It's really nice working with him and I'm glad I picked him.
The best thing about Mr. Cantagallo is that he wants us to take what we learn in band and apply it to our lives. On the first day of band he said that no matter how busy we are, it's good to have an activity or hobby that we love to do, even if it's not a top priority. Mr. Cantagallo, you are a brilliant educator and musician, and I appreciate all you do. Thank you!
Because Mr. Cantagallo directs three bands, he has triple the job. But I think he likes getting to tell his funny stories multiple times each day. When we are tired in band, he tells us stories to give us a rest from playing. As a band director, he is unique. When he describes musical notes, he doesn't just say, “Make it shorter” – he says, “Splat splat make it short bop.” When we asked him what “splat” was, he said it's like when you get a wet paper towel and throw it against the wall.
Mr. Cantagallo's class is never boring. Something funny always happens. Don't get me wrong, band isn't a madhouse; it's a fun class where we learn a lot and make friends. The atmosphere he creates makes us feel free to express ourselves, which helps us bond with our bandmates.
Mr. Cantagallo is also a cross-country coach. He loves running and is very zealous, which makes him a good coach. He is a role model and is very committed to everything he does. Mr. Cantagallo has a passion for music and uses it to help others.
If I had to pick Mr. Cantagallo's favorite genre of music, I would say jazz. As director of our jazz band, he has us play really fun songs. I never liked jazz until this year, but now I can't wait to do it again next year. I discovered a new passion and I have him to thank!
Mr. Cantagallo is a spectacular trumpet player. He has spunk and if he makes a mistake he doesn't pause and turn crimson, he just keeps playing. He always tells us, “When you're driving a race car and you make a mistake, you can't think, Oh no, I just messed up! You have to keep going and just pretend it never happened, and people won't notice.” This is really helpful advice, and I use it a lot.
Some might wonder why a male teacher would be helping out with Girl Scouts. I have to admit that when I was considering him as my advisor, I was skeptical that he would want to do it. But when I asked him, he was honored and very enthusiastic. He is always saying, “Am I doing everything I'm supposed to?” It's really nice working with him and I'm glad I picked him.
The best thing about Mr. Cantagallo is that he wants us to take what we learn in band and apply it to our lives. On the first day of band he said that no matter how busy we are, it's good to have an activity or hobby that we love to do, even if it's not a top priority. Mr. Cantagallo, you are a brilliant educator and musician, and I appreciate all you do. Thank you!
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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