My name is Patricia Gately; I am twenty-one years old and currently a student at Berklee college of Music. I come
from a family of five and am the oldest of three children. My passion is music, my principal
instrument is trumpet and I am majoring in Music Education. I started playing trumpet when I was in fourth grade at age nine. Outside of music I
enjoy spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors. Soccer is a
huge part of my family, not only have my two brothers and I played since we
were five but we all have also officiated the game. I became a grade 9 referee when
I was 13 years old and have now worked my way to a grade 8 ref for Massachusetts Youth Soccer . I am still continuing my referee career today and really
enjoy being apart of the game. I am not too sure where I get my musical talent
from because my family does not have much of a musical background but they are
the ultimate support system. When
it comes to music I am all over the place. I love to play and listen to all types of music. I
am currently in a variety of music groups including a Jazz Ensemble called
“Blueprint Jazz Club”, a Ska band called “Code Rad”, a parade band called “The Tony
Barrie Band”, and a big band ensemble called “Thinkin’ Big”, I recently just joined this summer (2011) a reggae band called "The Wicked Hangin Chads". In the past I have participated in
other ensembles like brass quintets/bands, church music groups, orchestras,
wind ensembles and many different jazz bands/combos and community bands. When it comes to listening
to music besides all the styles of music I play I also love listening to
alternative rock and pop punk music, bands like Yellowcard and Green Day. My
favorite trumpet player changes all the time but a few of my favorites would
have to be Art Farmer and Miles Davis. Some major places I have performed at with my high school
ensembles are in Washington DC at the Heritage Festival, in downtown Disney,
and at the Massachusetts State House. I have also performed in Mechanics Hall
in Worcester, MA with the Central MA senior districts band. Some more recent performances have been
for the International Folk Festival at the Berklee Performance Center with the
Junkanoo Jumpers, and for the Grub Street Writers of Boston’s fundraiser at the
State Room in Boston with Blueprint Jazz Trio. My
teaching experience includes many different jobs and ages of children. Children
look up to teachers as role models especially if they specialize in something
the student has an interest in like music. I know I looked up to my music
teachers and still do to this day. I hope through my teaching experiences I can
be the role model and person the students feel comfortable going to. I have
worked with children as young 3 – 5 years old at a preschool in Waltham called
123 Day School. I have also
participated in the BSO Instrument Playground as a volunteer instructor. For the past few years I have been
involved with the Maynard Public School system as a substitute teacher for the
elementary and middle school. I am currently a private lesson trumpet
instructor and have worked with kid’s ages 9 – 16 years old. I also just joined in on a project that allows Berklee students work with the youth in South Africa giving lessons via skype. I am very excited to be apart of this project and have been truly inspired by my student so far. I recently became a student member in
the student chapter of the MENC (Music Educators National Conference). My goal is to have a job that I enjoy and want
to go to when I wake up everyday. As long as I am playing music and working
with children I will live a happy and successful life. I am looking forward to
continuing my musical career through performing and teaching for many years to
come.
Statement of Purpose:
I want to become
a music teacher because I love working with kids and giving them the opportunity
to express themselves through music. I have taught children both in music
related and non - music related activities and really enjoy helping them
achieve or work towards their goals.
Music Education plays an important role in developing children’s
artistic minds and gives them the chance to be apart of a group outside of
school. I want to become a teacher because some of my music teachers have been
some of the most influential people in my life and have really made an impact
on who I am today. I would not be where I am without them and I would love to
be that person in a student’s life. I am perusing a career in Music Education
because I believe every student deserves the chance to explore their musical talents, have a great musical
experience, and should be prepared to continue their musical career outside of
the classroom if they desire.