Video: Thomas LaRocca settles into role as new band director and shares process behind his new alma mater arrangement

Aidan Ng, Dylan Ng, Tiffany Chen, and Emmie Elizabeth Krikheli • January 13, 2026

Music credits: Music “Smooth Instrumental Jazz Music” by Tunetank, courtesy of Pixabay, a site that offers royalty free music.

At the start of the school year, Thomas LaRocca was hired as the new band director of the THHS music program, filling in the shoes of former band director Kevin Heathwood. Mr. LaRocca has already built upon the music program this year by composing a new version of the school alma mater, which was played at Founders’ Day, and he recently organized his first winter concert at THHS. Watch the full video above or on The Classic’s YouTube channel. Also read about Mr. LaRocca’s journey applying to THHS, and Mr. Heathwood’s departure here.

Donate to The Classic

$215

$1000

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of The Classic. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment, support our extracurricular events, celebrate our staff, print the paper periodically, and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributor

Aidan Ng, Multimedia Editor

Aidan is a junior at Townsend Harris High School. He is interested in pursuing a career in business or law, but he also enjoys creating videos in his spare time. His favorite Classic piece he has worked on is the 2024 THHS Witching Hour video — an exciting experience during both filming and editing. His favorite Classic piece made by others is the Day in the Life at Townsend Harris vlog. Its format and execution makes it both informative and entertaining, which are traits that Aidan aspires to include in all of his videos.