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Share thisA Celebration of Kevin Mead
Join the Roberts Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble in celebrating Kevin Mead for his 31 years of service in the Churchville-Chili School District. Mr. Mead will be guest conducting the ensemble at their concert on Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 PM in Hale Auditorium (Cultural Life Center).
Kevin Mead has taught instrumental music in the Churchville-Chili School District since 1987. He currently directs the Senior High School’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Mr. Mead earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, a Master’s degree from SUNY Brockport with a theater concentration, and has pursued post-graduate studies at the Eastman School in the areas of Music Learning Theory and Jazz Improvisation. He has been a certified MakeMusic clinician and trainer for over 11 years and has traveled around the country sharing his methods of using technology to teach practice skills, composition, improvisation, and performance analysis in the classroom. Mr. Mead has been honored with several individual awards including his district’s “Triple C” award for service, a “Fish” award for “Making Their Day,” and was recently selected for the second time by the members of the National Honor Society as “Teacher of the Year.” More recently, Mr. Mead was awarded the “2017 Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award” by Cheryl Dinolfo and the Monroe County Legislature.
As an instrumentalist, Mead has enjoyed performing in several pit orchestras for area school and community theater productions and has performed with community orchestras and wind bands throughout Monroe County.
Churchville-Chili’s ensembles thrive under his nurturing and inspiring direction. His chamber ensembles have performed throughout the district, winning several awards and honors. Most recently, the Wind Ensemble received a “Superior” rating at Rhythms International’s Educational Music Festival in Boston, MA. In 2016, the group won a “Rochester Rocs” award for Best School Band from local television station WHEC 10NBC. Last year, they were invited to perform at the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference. A proponent of new music, he has led the wind ensemble, in conjunction with the Churchville-Chili Music Booster Club, to commission two new works for concert band, and many of their performances have included students’ original works and arrangements.
In addition to his musical and professional accomplishments, Mr. Mead has inspired, mentored, and encouraged generations of students, earning a special place in the community’s hearts and lives. His vast impact has inspired many of his students to become music teachers themselves, carrying on his passion, artistry, and love for both music and people. Upon announcing his retirement, tens of students from his years at Churchville-Chili reached out with words of thanks for his patience, kindness, and humor; for truly believing in his students when they most needed it; and for filling their high school memories with stories to last a lifetime. Some of their remarks are included below.
His former student, Krystal Kaminski, reminisced “While at Wegmans today I ran into one of my mentors from middle and high school. He had to be one of the most (if not THE most) influential person in my educational experience. He taught me patience, leadership, to push past my comfort zone, that work can be fun, how to deal with difficult people, and that sometimes what you need to do must come before what you want to do. All of those lessons and my appreciation for him came rushing back as soon as I saw him. I definitely wouldn't be who I am without him... Thank you, Mr. Mead!”
Another alumna, Vivian Johnston, tells her favorite memory: “I will never forget when you conducted the Alumni Community Orchestra for the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the James Widener Garden of Recognition Dedication concert. In the middle of the tune, the Air Force fly-over drowned out the Men’s Chorus and Orchestra. You kept the beat, we kept playing, and the Chorus kept singing, despite not being able to hear anything except the sound of the plane. After the plane passed overhead, chorus and orchestra were exactly in the same place in the music to finish out the tune! It was so effective, and our CCCS Veterans will never forget the tribute.”
Former student Dave Lanzone wrote “Thanks for all your service and everything you have done as an educator! Just know that when/if you have moments when you miss the students and the teaching experience, there are hundreds of students that are still being impacted as a result of your impact to your past students. We are continuing in your footsteps as educators and, thanks to you, there is a legacy that continues to impact so many more students than you know!”
Nicole Stich mused “Being in the band was one of the best parts of my high school experience, and that was due to how much you made us all love our craft. Thank you for your 35 years of service to the CCHS community and for teaching so many of us to make beautiful music!”
Amanda Santangelo Drumsta fondly said “When I think of you.... I think of someone who was kind, patient, extremely funny, made it ‘cool’ to be in band and to love music, inspiring, authentic, and an all-around amazing teacher!”
Finally, Elizabeth Niese thanked him as follows: “You helped create lifelong musicians and learners, and some of us are now getting to pass that love for music along to our kids!”
Mr. Mead’s remarks on his retirement truly show his heart for teaching: “I will be retiring as of this coming June. I have a ton of great memories from my 35 years of teaching to help. Each and every one of my students has left a piece of themselves in my heart. I will be able to carry that with me forever. Thanks to everyone that has played a part in this huge chapter in my life.”
In response to his students’ stories, thanks, and tributes, he replied, “What a great list of memories. I have spent most of the day remembering something special about each and every one of you. Whether it was the instrument you played, a special concert memory, trip, where you sat, people you hung out with, lesson groups, fundraisers, pieces we played, or personal conversations. I feel so blessed that I had an opportunity to meet and work with you all. Thanks for sharing.”
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