Aaron T. Patterson, originally from Carlisle, is Tyrone Area School District’s new middle and high school band director.
“I’m looking forward to starting the year on the right foot,” said Patterson.
A press release from the district said he recently finished a graduate degree in saxophone performance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While completing his degree, Patterson taught elementary instrumental music at Marion Center Area School District, south of Punxsutawney.
Patterson and the Tyrone Area Band have been involved in band camp and practices throughout the month of August, as they get ready for tomorrow night’s halftime performance at the Tyrone Area football game versus Bellwood-Antis.
He said, “It’s been a pleasure (to work) with an exciting marching band. We have an excited, dedicated group of students.”
Patterson also noted the upcoming schedule for the band by saying, “We have a lot of competitions and of course, the football games.”
Classes got under way on Tuesday at Tyrone Area and Patterson commented on the beginning of a new school year in a new district.
“It’s been a great first few days,” said Patterson. “(The students) have a lot of energy.”
Patterson also complemented the music department.
He said, “We have a fantastic staff. I’m anxiously waiting getting into the year.”
Patterson said he wanted to thank all the band members, their families, and community members who have made his move to Tyrone a pleasant and positive experience.
“I’ve enjoyed my first month living in Tyrone, it’s been a welcoming community,” said Patterson.
Tyrone’s new band director graduated summa cum laude from IUP in 2003 with his music education degree and with honors from Cumberland Valley High School in 1999.
The press release from the district said, his past teaching experiences also include private woodwind and piano lessons, substitute teaching, direction of a church choir, collegiate tutoring, and two years’ work as featured soloist/assistant director with the Sound of America Honors Band and Chorus European Tour.
His performance career spans numerous solo recitals, guest appearances with the Butler and Johnstown Symphony Orchestras, principal saxophone with the 2003 International Youth Wind Orchestra in Sweden, a third-prize finish in the nationally-acclaimed Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in 2002, and various performances at the annual U.S. Navy-sponsored Saxophone Symposium in Washington, DC.
Patterson is an active member of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) and frequently performs with professional and nonprofessional pit orchestras for musical theatre.
Outside of music, Patterson enjoys traveling, especially to New England and Cape May, New Jersey, and spending time with his parents and sister. He also enjoys biking, hiking, the occasional golf game, swimming, cooking and reading.
He takes over for Kris Laird who left the district for a position in the Hollidaysburg Area School District.
