Have you ever wanted to know more about your music teachers? Well, I’ve interviewed Mr. Ocasio, the 6th-grade band teacher and the conductor of the Falcon Big Band and Wind Symphony. So, if you will, here’s Q & A with Mr. Ocaiso.
Falcon Press: What got you into music?
Mr. Ocasio: Well, growing up there was always music being played in my house. My grandma used to play Cuban music on Saturday mornings, and I used to sing in the house. When the opportunity came in my school we started our instruments. In third grade actually or maybe even second grade I had the opportunity to start playing the violin and then transitioned to the saxophone when I was in fourth grade. The schools that I went to give many opportunities for students to pursue the Arts, then I just got into music with friends, and I had some very inspiring teachers.
FP: When did you start doing music?
MO: At home, there was always singing in the house, my family would play me music. Like any other kid, you take your music class at school and start singing in the chorus. In second grade I started with the violin, but I also did play Viola for a little bit. Then saxophone in 4th grade.
FP: How long have you been teaching music?
MO: I’ve taught music, between teaching privately and teaching in schools, it’s been about 20 years.
FP: What is your favorite song?
MO: There’s too much great music out there for me to try to rank one over the other. People ask that question all the time and I can never give a straight answer.
FP: What is your favorite music genre?
MO: I like anything that challenges what we might be used to. I like music that isn’t predictable. I like music that when I listen, it feels fresh and feels different. There’s no one genre that accomplishes that. I think that you can get that experience with a few different genres, but I would say anything that has any elements of jazz in it is going to peak my interest. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be jazz specifically. Any kind of smart, creative, or masterful ways of songwriting is what’s going to draw me in.
FP: What college did you study music at?
MO: I went to the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University.
FP: What was the first school you started teaching music at or did you
start at FMS?
MO: East Side High School in Newark, New Jersey.
FP: Who or what inspired you to become a band teacher?
MO: My middle school band experience was really inspiring. I had a teacher whose name was Mr. Corley and he was a fantastic sax player. He played in a band that was signed by Motown well before my time. My first experience in my middle school jazz ensemble when I was in 7th grade is kind of where I started to take strides with my instrument, being taught by Mr. Corley.
I learned a lot about Mr. Ocasio through this interview and I hope that you did too. It is always good to learn more about people, and in this case, Mr. Ocasio. Just remember that music is everywhere, so why not be part of it.
