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A Few Clouds Music educator honored by Harvard
East Meadow High School's Christopher Hale recognized as 'Distinguished Teacher'
At 34 years old, East Meadow High School band teacher Christopher Hale has already had his fair share of worldly experiences.
The FAA-certified pilot, former Broadway performer and world traveler said he aspires to incorporate his cultural experiences and influences into his teaching. In his eight years at East Meadow High School, his methods have clearly had a profound impact: On April 26, Hale will be one of 14 teachers honored as a “Distinguished Teacher of 2015” by the Harvard Club of Long Island at a ceremony at the Milleridge Inn Carriage House in Jericho.
Teachers are nominated for the prestigious distinction by current Harvard undergraduates. It was Nathan Siegelaub, East Meadow High School’s 2014 valedictorian, who nominated Hale. “Mr. Hale tirelessly tutored me to develop my skills and self-esteem,” said Siegelaub in his recommendation letter. “What most distinguishes Mr. Hale, is his lessons extend far beyond the classroom and musical training into all walks in life.”
Hale earned his undergraduate degree at the University of North Texas, and did graduate work at Hofstra and Stony Brook Universities.
North Texas, he said, has a highly diverse musical program that incorporates music from around the world. It was there when he was first exposed to steel drums, an instrument he later brought to East Meadow High School.
It was while he was a student there, he said, when he auditioned for the Tony Award-winning show, “Blast!” which had a run on Broadway, as well as Disney parks in Florida and California. Hale, a percussionist, described the show as a “musical extravaganza,” with many musicians performing on stage at once. "It was a good time,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of great people."
He later joined friends on a trip to Ghana, in western Africa, where he observed the culture, music, people and schools there. “You really immerse yourself in that culture for a couple weeks,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity, as a human being, to see what other parts of the world are like."
