I have been a teacher in School District 61 for a long time, and have seen many exemplary teachers come and go. But this is the first time I have ever written about one of these teachers. In fact, there are two I am talking about in this letter.
Michael Mazza and Jennifer Hill have been the band/ strings/ choir / jazz band teachers at Arbutus Global middle school for several years and they have been phenomenal! They both are fairly young, and they display the utmost professionalism, a caring attitude, and an amazing ability to stay calm at all times, especially just before performances. You would think they both have 40 years’ teaching experience as they are wise beyond their years. The students love them both and these teachers give entirely of themselves to make Arbutus’s program an excellent one (and they both have young children at home to care for also).
I haven’t talked about the results these two inspire the children to achieve. At our recent entry into the Band Fest that occurs every year, Arbutus once again received “superior” reviews by the adjudicators. Arbutus always receives top-notch marks in everything they do regarding the fine arts program that Michael and Jennifer run.
One thing I need to mention is that during every Remembrance Day ceremony that Arbutus hosts, one of the highlights for me is hearing Michael Mazza play The Last Post on his trumpet. It is one of the most touching sounds I have heard in my life. I have heard Michael play at this particular assembly for approximately 10 years now and it has been perfection every time. Also, these two teachers work quite a few extra hours (as all band teachers do) by taking the students to perform many concerts throughout the year, and arranging the ever-popular band trip to Seattle for the Grade 8 students.
Finally, I need to point out that 70 per cent of Arbutus’ students take part in the fine arts program with Mr. Mazza and Mrs. Hill teaching them. That’s an amazing number.
I am not best friends or anything with these two, just a teaching acquaintance. But I feel that Michael Mazza and Jennifer Hill need to be recognized for their amazing contributions to Arbutus Global middle school. They are legends already and will continue to be so for a long time.
Brian McKinnon
Victoria