September Teacher Spotlight: Katie Donovan
Katie Donovan received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education with a concentration in strings from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She currently teaches 2nd-6th grade strings and orchestra for the New Hartford Central School District in New Hartford, NY, where she has been teaching since 2012 and has earned the title of Master Teacher.
Outside of school, Ms. Donovan is an avid violinist, has a private teaching studio, and performs at weddings, musicals, and other special events. In 2013, Marlene Hawkins introduced Ms. Donovan to the high quality instruments that Baroque Violin Shop has to offer. Thank you to everyone at BVS for your continuous support of our students, and teachers in New Hartford.
Can you tell us about your school’s orchestra program?
The New Hartford strings program gives students in 2nd and 3rd grade the opportunity to start a string instrument using the Suzuki method. The traditional method of stringed instrument instruction and orchestral study begins in 3rd grade and continues through 12th grade.
Our 2nd- 12th grade string program is made up of over 400 strings students. Including lessons, we have 7 Elementary Orchestras, 2 Junior High Orchestras and our High School 10th-12th Grade Orchestra.
Our string team is made up of Sara Chudow (Elementary), Clarie Wilcox (Jr. and Sr. High) and myself. I am very grateful to work with such dedicated professionals!
What instruments do you play/teach?
My primary instrument is the violin. I teach violin, viola, cello, and bass.
How did your career in music get started?
My family is very passionate about music. As a young child I was exposed to different types of music and involved in activities such as singing in church, community choirs and orchestras. I began playing the violin in third grade. Since then, my love for music grew and my music teachers inspired me to become a music teacher myself.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
Meditation from ‘Thais’” by Jules Massenet has always been one of my favorites! I also love to play the violin breaks from “Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews!
What are some of your other hobbies?
I love spending time with my family and friends, being by the water anytime of year, and trivia. I also find it fun to grab an instrument and have an impromptu jam session with friends!
What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?
Seeing students succeed is always a favorite moment. When a goal is achieved by a student - no matter how big or small - it’s absolutely fantastic to see how happy and proud the students are of their own accomplishments!
Another favorite moment of mine is our district wide Spring String Fling concert, in which all of the 2nd and 3rd grade Suzuki string students perform memorized pieces together. It is a very exciting time for our beginning students!
What do you find to be the best motivator for students?
Positivity and encouragement are the best motivators for students. Encouraging students to believe in themselves is one of the most important things a teacher can do.
What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?
My main goal this year is to continue to do everything I can to keep students engaged, motivated, and excited to play their instrument, whether they are learning remotely at home, or in person at school.
How are you managing the challenges dealt to your school and orchestra related to COVID-19? What opportunities do you see?
As teachers, we always have to be prepared to adjust to what's happening in our everyday lives. Within this past year, we’ve been able to develop fun and creative learning experiences for our students and will continue to do so. Every day is a new learning experience for us and a chance to grow.