NAME:
Sarah Horaczek
SCHOOL:
Menands UFSD
CLASS:
K-7 General Music, 5-8 Band, 3-8 Drama
SCHOOL PHONE:
(518) 465-4561 x157
Sarah Horaczek was raised to appreciate music from a very young age. Her
grandmother and grandfather actually met in high school orchestra and her
father is still currently active in local theater groups. She's often been
told she was singing before she was speaking!
In the Mohonasen Central School District, Sarah began the viola in the third
grade and began the flute in fourth grade. She has now been playing flute for
23 years! While in school, Sarah was active in Suburban Council and the Empire
State Youth Orchestra. She also participated in Marching Band, Concert Band,
Jazz Band, and Drama. She knew she wanted to teach music when she began
leading flute sectionals and teaching private lessons in the tenth grade. Her
mentor, David Bournazian, really fostered her love for music and teaching and
guided her along the way. (He taught music well into his 70's with the same
passion and drive as he did in his 20's).
Sarah received her Bachelor's in Music Education, Summa Cum Laude, from
Baldwin-Wallace College in 2003. She majored in music education and flute and
minored in percussion. While there, she was the principal flutist of the
Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Sarah then received her Master's Degree in Kodaly Music Education in 2004 from
the Hartt School of Music. She also taught elementary general music in inner-
city Hartford. From there, Sarah taught grades 6-8 General Music and Band in Harlem and K-8
general music in Queens for several years.
Sarah is currently pursuing certification in Gifted and Talented Education and is very excited to work
with Menand's Inquiry Team this year!
Sarah is glad to be back in her hometown of Rotterdam, NY with her husband
(whom she met in high school band), her daughter, and her son.
How many people have been told by a music teacher to "sing quieter" or to not
sing at all??? So many adults walk around believing they are not musical. They
will tell you they cannot sing, or dance, or play an instrument. And if asked
to they would be afraid to do so.
HOW AWFUL!!!
Many cultures in this world are based in music. Music is a part of everyday
life. It has a function and it brings community together. Everyone is
involved.
I believe America has it wrong. America thinks music is only for entertainment
and you have to be GREAT at it to be able to do it. Shows like "American Idol"
and "So You Think You Can Dance?" show America, time after time, people
embarrassing themselves and then being ridiculed for it. Do you know what I
love about those people? THEY ARE HAVING FUN AND THEY ARE LOVING MUSIC. Watch
them sing next time- they look free, relaxed, and happy. The "trained"
musicians often have no joy or "soul" left in them because every note has been
scrutinized and practiced and planned.
My four year old breaks out in song all of the time. We all did when we were
four! We got most of the words wrong or made up our own songs and everyone
always clapped and loved it! WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THIS.
Break out in song- make one up- celebrate anyone who's trying! LOVE music,
don't analyze it!