After serving as the band director at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School for the past 30 years, Michael Soscia will be retiring at the end of the school year. Mr. Soscia’s passion for music began when he learned to play the trumpet in the fourth grade at the Brooklyn Avenue School. As an alumnus of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen, he returned as a teacher to share his love of music with his students and has inspired many to pursue their own musical careers.
To celebrate his retirement, more than 60 people, mostly alumni including three students from his first music class 30 years ago, performed in a surprise concert to acknowledge his contributions and the impact he had on their lives. The evening’s festivities were organized by Mr. Greg Hart, Wheeler Avenue general music and choir teacher assisted by Mrs. Scott, the Wheeler Avenue orchestra teacher. The Wheeler Avenue PTA generously provided refreshments.
The students at Wheeler Avenue School have been the beneficiaries of his musical tutelage and the Wheeler Avenue Jazz Band has enabled Mr. Soscia to teach and play is favorite form of music. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Soscia serves as the treasurer for the Nassau Music Educator’s Association and will continue to serve in that role after his retirement. As an educator, Mr. Soscia is highly regarded by the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen Board of Education, administration, faculty, staff, students and community.
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