Once again, the Beaver Area music department has a new student teacher busy learning the ropes of teaching music! At the beginning of this school year we welcomed Mr. Joseph Caponera to our music wing assisting Mr. Scanga with the band.

Where did you go to high school?

I went to Central Valley High School.

Where are you going to college and what are you studying?

I am a dual major at Slippery Rock University: my dual major is in music education and music performance.

How long are you here at Beaver Area High School?

All the way until December 9.

Is this the job you have always wanted to do or did your “path” change and lead you to this new occupation?

When I was in middle school I had this idea that I wanted to be a nuclear physicist, but the problem was that I didn’t really like math. So I ended up falling in love with music in high school.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

I like to play Dungeons and Dragons. It never grows old.

What is your favorite part about being here so far?

Student teaching with Mr. Scanga—I get to see fourth grade all the way up through twelfth grade band so it’s all levels of public school band. I think that’s pretty cool and not something all student teachers get to do.

Did where you grow up have an impact on your occupation choice?

I think only a little bit in that when I was in school I had a really good relationship with all of my band directors so it made me want to be a band director.

What is your biggest strength that will help your students at Beaver Area High School?

I would say that it’s my flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Getting the fourth graders to make sounds on their instruments for the first time.

If you could study any other subject what would it be?

In college I was almost a Spanish minor.

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

Ms. Lewis, the Central Valley High School band director.

What is one thing you wish your students would take away from you and remember for life?

Maybe a love of music.