On June 21, students were informed via email that band teacher Kevin Heathwood was moving on to a new role at another school. Musician and teacher Thomas LaRocca was later hired to become the new band director at Townsend Harris.
“I am so excited to be here at THHS and to be teaching in my backyard. It’s part of my community. I love what I do,” said Mr. LaRocca. “I’m super excited to step into a role where I’m able to work with so many students across different music backgrounds, and I’m hoping to continue and expand upon the great things that are happening here.”
When recommending a new Band Director, Mr. Heathwood said he wanted someone who would continue to build upon the music program that he’d helped grow at THHS. “Mr. LaRocca not only has all of the unique skills required to fulfill the role I created, but I believe he is even stronger than I am in his knowledge of music,” said Mr. Heathwood, who suggested that Mr. LaRocca apply for the position.
Mr. LaRocca has been playing music from a very young age, and he decided he wanted to be a music teacher when he was a sophomore in high school. Ultimately, he developed a deep love of both teaching and music. “I heard about the opening at Townsend Harris, and I was super excited to apply and interview. I was really hoping that I was the right man for the job, and it’s worked out,” said Mr. LaRocca.
“Mr. LaRocca has definitely stepped up to the challenge and has made his own changes that reflect him, and it’s also reflected in the band program very well,” said senior Jedadiah Juarbe, who plays in Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble.
Mr. LaRocca said that he wants the program to focus more on what students want and their ambitions. He said that “students will come up with things and say, ‘Hey, I really want to accomplish this.’ And, you know, one of the things I did was try to find reasons to say yes rather than temper down expectations. So you know, the sky’s the limit for me. I want to take the kids as far as they want to go. I really do get a lot of enjoyment from being able to do that.”
Siddhini Singh, a sophomore in Advanced Modern Band, said one of these changes helped her learning experience. “My band and I have more time to practice because last year, we shared the drum sets day by day, but this year, we [are rotating] every twenty minutes. So, I feel like I have more playing time.”
Christopher Lee, who teaches the string music classes and Symphony Orchestra, praised his new colleague. “I spoke to Mr. LaRocca, and we have a lot in common,” said Mr. Lee. “Not just musically and in terms of teaching, but also personally, so I’m excited to work with him.”
Previously, Mr. Heathwood’s Wind Ensemble has performed at Founders’ Day and Graduation. It is anticipated that Mr. Lee will be taking over these performances this year.
Mr. Heathwood said he promises to attend many performances throughout the next few years, as long as he still knows students attending THHS. As for his musical journey, he says he will continue to perform with and direct the Bushwick Big Band. “I don’t know what else lies ahead, but I’m sure there will be many more opportunities that will present themselves as I travel through the midway point of my career.”
Mr. Heathwood is now the Band Director at Frank Sinatra High School for The Arts.
Mr. Heathwood departure is a big change for the many students of Townsend Harris’ music program, but Mr. LaRocca said he is excited to rise to the challenge. His students are optimistic as well. As Siddhini Singh said, “I trust Mr. LaRocca.”
