I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new and returning parents and students as the 2009-2010 school year begins. I myself am new to St. Pius X and am excited to be part of this community. For those of you who I have not yet met, my name is Mr. Knack. I have a BM in Education from The Crane School of Music at Potsdam and an MA in Liturgical Music from St. John’s University. Before becoming part of the St. Pius X faculty I worked in youth ministry for two universities and for a time was in charge of a large faith formation program. I have also taught voice and theory lessons for students of all ages.
I believe that students of all ages should have access to well rounded education. They should be given the opportunity to explore sound and through singing, movement, playing instruments, critical listening skills, and the ability to properly verbalize and notate their thoughts about music. The purpose of music class is not to form every student into a virtuosic performer. Rather, it is to give every student an appreciation for the discipline and a better understanding of it so that they can grow as a person. also nurtures the ability to work cooperatively, provides children with a means for self expression, helps encourage creative thinking and problem solving skills, and according to Carolyn Phillips (the author of the Twelve Benefits of Education) early education has been found to help develop areas in the brain that deal with language and reasoning.
With that said, I look forward to a wonderful year and please feel free to contact me, via telephone here at St. Pius X, with any questions or concerns that you might have.
