New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School music teacher Scott Thompson was named as a New York State Teacher of Excellence for the 43rd Senatorial District. Mr. Thompson was nominated for this award by Principal Matthew R. Klafehn. Among faculty, students and his wife, Mr. Thompson received a certificate, as well as $500 from Senator Kathleen Marchione to be used for teaching resources in the school district. Congratulations!
In his nomination letter, Principal Matthew Klafehn wrote:
Scott is presently in his twenty-ninth year of teaching music at New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School. During his tenure, Scott has mentored the growth of countless music teachers throughout the district and has had a profound impact on generations of students.
Mr. Thompson is the band director for our Junior and Senior Band Performance Groups. Remarkably, Scott writes his own arrangements to adjust to student interests, the instruments that are available and varying ability levels. Additionally, he is skilled at instrument repair, enabling students to always have their instrument in working order each day for rehearsal.
Outside of school, Mr. Thompson is an accomplished trumpeter who plays regularly with his band in venues throughout the Capital district. His genuine love of music is showcased daily in his rehearsals with students. Through his energy, students are inspired to perform at their absolute best, creating an end product of which our community is very proud. Mr. Thompson regularly pursues opportunities for New Lebanon students to showcase their talents, traveling in both NY and Massachusetts for performances. Additionally, he prepares patriotic selections for our Annual Memorial Day Assembly Program, an essential component of a spectacular community event to honor our servicemen and women.
In addition to our junior and senior band groups, Mr. Thompson directs a Jazz band that focuses on advanced instrumental techniques and jazz styles. In this setting, students have the opportunity to express themselves through improvisation and solo performances. Their efforts are highlighted each spring with a Jazz performance where community members are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and engross themselves in conversation while enjoying the music. The well attended event is both comfortable and inviting, mirroring more of a club setting versus a formal concert.