RON CASTONGUAY
adjudicated festivals. In 2005, Gulliver Prep’s entire music program traveled to New York’s Carnegie Hall, giving performances for which they received an emotional standing ovation. A spring 2013 concert at New York’s Lincoln Center was also wildly successful. The Gulliver performances are especially dear to Castonguay, who graduated from UM in 1993 with a degree in music theory and composition. He has used those platforms to share exciting personal news with audiences. “During the Spring Concert in 2004, I had the jazz band learn the music to Harry Connick Jr.’s ‘We are in Love.’ I invited my girlfriend Melissa up to the stage in front of 700 people. I stopped the music mid-song to grab her engagement ring out of my tenor sax and proposed right there. The following year nearly 60% of the guests at our wedding were from Gulliver,” Castonguay recalled. “During the Holiday Concert in 2008, I also announced that my wife was pregnant with our first daughter, Siena, who is now attending Gulliver’s preschool. Gulliver is a huge part of my life.” Daughter Summer joined the Castonguay Family in August 2012 and will undoubtedly become a Raider when she nears school age. Castonguay also teaches an Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory class, and next year will offer a new Jazz Theory and Improvisation course. “I teach music, and it’s always a fantastic experience when I have a student that works hard and is a natural and they go on to major in music at a university; that’s an awesome thing,” Castonguay said. “However, the way I view my job is that music is educating these young adults in life skills. Through the Prep Music Program, they are learning about responsibility, self-discipline, initiative and leadership. I believe I teach more about life skills and use music as a vehicle, because everything in the music world can help you later in your career and life. That is my educational philosophy. I love conducting and teaching music because it’s my love and passion, but all the
students can use these lessons in life and I believe this strongly.” He gives an example of how music performance translates into job skills: “For example, being able to perform a solo results in self-confidence on a job interview,” Castonguay said. “We are also able to show integrity and a respect for others through our community servicebased Music Club, where we are helping fund underprivileged music programs.” The student-run Music Club, which Castonguay oversees, performs in the community at nursing centers and other locations. The group truly enjoys entertaining others with their music. Fundraisers have helped to
build a niche for myself that I would not be able to find at any other school,” said Castonguay. “I have a very rare and unique opportunity to teach the whole child. I am using music and sharing my passion to show these kids some skills that will help them succeed when they graduate high school. These students will be contributors to society and lifelong learners, which was Mrs. K’s vision. And it’s mine, too.”
raise thousands of dollars for local and national music programs. Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, the group sent money to New Orleans’ schools to buy new instruments. “Gulliver is a fantastic, supportive place to work, and I have been able to 35