EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
As a teacher, I live for teachable moments. I push my students to strive for the best that they can be and more, while guiding them to make educated choices to pave their path to being successful individuals, artists, and musicians. I exercise their minds and abilities so they are prepared for the next level of education and experiences.
Children’s needs must be acknowledged. Each child must be allowed to reach his or her potential, and we as teachers are the ones who can help them get there. We as teachers communicate to our students in many ways. Our lifelong learning is a privilege that teachers can share with our students.
BE UNIQUE,
BE YOURSELF
There is no right way or wrong way. It’s how we perceive the world that defines who we are and how we are a piece of the puzzle, the bigger picture.
BE CONSISTENT WHILE STRIVING FOR MORE
There should be no limitations. If there is a will, there is a way. Never stop learning.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS
It is not a race. Time, dedication, persistence, and determination is what molds our students and develops a strong-minded individual.
ABOUT ME
Casey Ann Fitzsimmons holds a Bachelors Degree in Music from SUNY New Paltz, a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from SUNY Plattsburgh & a Masters Degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She now resides in Morrisonville, New York with her husband and daughter. Since 2003, Casey Ann has been the District String teacher at Peru Central School, where she conducts the Senior High Avanti String Orchestra, Junior High Mezzo String Orchestra, Elementary Maestro Orchestra, and Partenza Strings. She also provides small group instrument lessons to students in grades 4-12.
In addition, she maintains a private string teaching studio in her home. Casey Ann was an active member of the Adirondack Youth Orchestra Association from 2004 until 2016, and served as a Member-at-large, President, and Conductor of the Adirondack Youth Strings. Casey Ann remains active in violin performance by playing for weddings and performances in Clinton County, including the Champlain Valley Voices and SUNY Plattsburgh’s Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble. In the Spring of 2007, 2008, and 2010 she served as a clinician at the Vermont Day for Strings Festival.
RESUMÉ
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Ballston Spa Central Schools, NY September 2017 – Present
Orchestra Director/General Music 4 – 12
- Conduct ensembles and group lessons for Elementary, Middle and High school.
- Prepare students for several performances a year for school and festivals.
- Student participation in competitive solo/ensemble festivals – Silver, Gold, Superior.
- Professional activities: Previous Concert Master of SUNY Plattsburgh’s Sinfonia Orchestra
and Time Spinners Orchestra, Peru Music Boosters Member (Treasurer). - Develops general music lessons based upon the state standards using fundamentals of music.
- Uses ORFF approach using movement, instruments and voice.
Peru Central School, NY September 2003 – August 2017
Orchestra Director/General Music 4 – 12
- Conduct ensembles and group lessons for Elementary, Middle and High school.
- Prepare students for several performances a year for school and festivals.
- Student participation in competitive solo/ensemble festivals – Silver, Gold, Superior.
- Professional activities: Previous Concert Master of SUNY Plattsburgh’s Sinfonia Orchestra
and Time Spinners Orchestra, Peru Music Boosters Member (Treasurer). - Develops general music lessons based upon the state standards using fundamentals of music.
- Uses ORFF approach using movement, instruments and voice.
Willsboro Central School, NY September 2002 – June 2003
General Music Teacher/AIS Teacher, K- 12
- Developed general music lessons based upon the state standards using fundamentals of music.
- Prepared students, Pre K-6 for school concerts using voice.
- Academic Intervention Services (AIS)- Provided additional instruction to supplement the general curriculum.
- Addressed the needs of students at risk to ensure higher scores on the state assessments.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Adirondack Youth Orchestra Association (AYOA) 2004 ~ 2016
- Board President
- Adirondack Youth Strings (AYS) ~ conductor
American String Teachers Association, NY Chapter (NYASTA) 2008 ~ 2012
- Zone 6 representative
- NYASTA Newsletter Editor
NYSSMA Adjudicator 2011, 2015
Conference All State Seating Auditions 2011, 2012, 2013
Private teaching studio 2003 ~ present
Winooski Valley Middle School Music Festival, Vermont ~ Guest Conductor April 2014
ORGANIZATIONS
Member of NYSSMA, MENC, and ASTA
EDUCATION
State University of New York at Potsdam, Crane School of Music August 2012
- Master of Music in Music Education
State University of New York at Plattsburgh December 2004
- Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
- Honors of magna cum laude
State University of New York at New Paltz May 2001
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- Concentration in Music,
- Honors of cum laude
Suffolk County Community College, NY December 1997
- Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts
CERTIFICATIONS
NYSSMA Adjudicator April 2009
NY State Permanent, Music K-12 December 2004
NY State Provisional, Pre K, K-6 May 2001
CONTACT
cafstrings@gmail.com
ADDRESS
Morrisonville, NY 12962
PHONE
518 593 7867