John W. is a current student at New York University’s prestigious Music Composition and Music Education programs through the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He graduated from Mineola High School in 2010 with many notable achievements. Throughout high school, John was involved with and held lead roles in the Fall plays and Spring musicals. He was concert master of the Mineola High School Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra for three years and performed many concert solos. John was also a member of the Acappella, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Vocal Jazz, Winter Percussion. But most notably, he led the Mineola High School Marching Band to its first NYSFBC Championship first place finish as Drum Major (Conductor). He is a recipient of the Mineola Director’s Award, Thespian Award, Mineola Music Parents Award, and the NMEA Scholarship Award. He is a member of the NYU Community Orchestra and has written notable compositions that have been performed by NYU students and distinguished faculty. John plays Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Marimba, and Percussion––and has taught privately for five years across Nassau County with many of his students participating in NYSSMA. His students range from a beginner level to a more advanced level and he encourages all his students to prepare solo repertoire which includes a piece for NYSSMA for it warrants practice and motivation to always improve and strive for a higher level. John plans on graduating New York University with a MA in Music Education and BMus in Music Composition.