When I heard of this event, the first person that popped up in my mind was Mr. Murray Apelbaum, my 6th to 8th grade music teacher in George J. Ryan Middle School. Meeting Mr. Apelbaum changed my perspective on music. He is a brilliant teacher who puts a lot of effort into his work. He tries hard and does not give up even when a student gives up. Besides teaching the band class, in the mornings before school starts, he is in charge of the Renaissance Band, and the Stage Band.
Mr. Apelbaum introduced me to the beauty of music. He showed me how music can affect the ones who are listening. Whichever instrument he was playing, I could see how much he enjoyed music and that influenced me to enjoy the pieces I play too. If he was never my teacher, I would not be who I am today and I would not see how important music is to me. I am extremely thankful I was one of his students, because he had an impact on my life and my future career.
-Jennie Chan
George J. Ryan Middle School, Class of 2007
9th Grade, Francis Lewis High School