NAME:
Santo Garufi
SCHOOL:
T.M.S. / T.H.S. / Pre-K Music
CLASS:
Instrumental Music / HS Music Appreciation/Marching Band / Jazz Band
SCHOOL PHONE:
914-337-5376 ext 1237
My love of music and performance started at the age of sixteen, starting my
professional music career on the accordion and gradually over the years
including the organ and keyboards.
My business career in music started with the Hammond Organ Company as a piano
and organ salesman, allowing me the opportunity to play as I worked. Who
could have had a better job? I worked for various companies in NYC and New
Jersey. Settling in New Jersey is where my wife, Helen and I had our two
children Chris and Vicky. As our family grew so did my thoughts of wanting
to own my own business. In 1982, the family moved back to NY and I opened the
doors to Westchester Piano & Organ Company in Scarsdale until 1991.
My love for music continued on a new path, as I started teaching piano and
various instruments privately. Through word of mouth of my personal success,
I was approached and encouraged to start teaching music in four Parochial
Schools in Lower Westchester. As I realized my passion for teaching, I
pursued my education in the field of music education.
My first educational challenge was in developing a music curriculum for
toddlers through eight grade in The Whitby Montessori School in Greenwich,
CT. I enjoyed my eight years there before I was invited by Dr. Yazurlo to
assist with the band program at the Tuckahoe Middle/ High School. This was a
great opportunity because both my children were graduates of the Tuckahoe
School system and my wife has worked in the district for 17 years. I have
always had a love and commitment to this district.
This is my eighth year teaching in the Tuckahoe School System.
The program has grown from 11 to 40 in the Marching Band; from 32
to 100 - creating two HS Concert Bands; 125 in the MS Concert Band, and the
creation of a HS Jazz Band of 24; in addition developed a student based MS/HS
Pit Band of 18 and various ensembles. I am extremely proud of our students
in both schools as the students continue to grow musically in their personal
talents, as well as, extending their talents to the local and neighboring
communities.
I have performed regularly on the weekends since 1978 in New Jersey and
locally here in Ciao’s in Eastchester and Tombolinos in Yonkers. After 32
years, of performing every weekend, I have decided to select work in the
private parties. My musician widowed wife now has a husband for the first
time on the weekends.
It has been my pleasure to teach the students and work in partnership with
parents, staff, administration and community in this great district. I thank
you sincerely for this great honor.
To inspire, educate and develop a knowledge and love for music.