A Teacher From Afar

The school year at Woodstock has seen its fair share of changes. From new classes and student activities to teachers and staff, WUHSMS is opening its doors to fun new experiences for students. One being the introduction of the new Band teacher: Mr. Trudeau.

After recently moving from The Casablanca American School in Morocco, Mr. Trudeau and his partner settled down in Claremont, NH with the hopes of pursuing a career that would give him the freedom to teach Band but also be active outside of school. With a desire to be physically involved, Mr. Trudeau and his partner enjoy activities like skiing and hiking, both of which are accessible in VT.

“Our choices were between the Rockies and Appalachian mountains and we settled on the Appalachians,” Trudeau explains.

The ability to inspire has been a large part of why Mr. Trudeau became a teacher. According to Trudeau, he was inspired by his Band director in high school who lead a quite impressive program:

“In my high school, our Band program was huge, well over 230 kids, we had 3 concert Bands, 2 different jazz Bands, all this stuff. And just watching the way my teacher went about all his teaching and stuff was so cool to me…The environment was just so important to me, I want to be a curator of that feeling.”

Mr. Trudeau wholeheartedly believes in the fundamental benefits Band can bring to students. “It’s the most active art class you can take. It’s just a break from learning the rules of life. It’s the most actively stimulating class. It very much sets forth we before me.”

“The students have been adjusting to a new teacher really, really well.” Mr. Trudeau describes his teaching style as “blunt” and “serious when necessary.”

He is incredibly appreciative of the students taking the course seriously and being respectful. “They listen when they don’t want to, which is what sets them apart from other students. I’ve never seen students like this,” Trudeau says.

Mr. Trudeau hopes to expand the band program. His goal is to get more people playing instruments and taking time to sit down and relax with music.

“I like being that impactful moment. Being the small parts that mark a huge difference,” Trudeau concludes.