Sue Graber is a Huntington
Music Maestro
Susan Graber has shown a knack for getting the most out of her students – more than they ever dreamed they could give. Now in her fifth year as an elementary grade music teacher in the Huntington School District, she's quickly becoming a master at her craft.
Mrs. Graber obtained a bachelor's degree in music education at Ithaca College and a master's degree at Columbia University's Teacher's College. She also holds an advanced certificate in autism spectrum disorders from Brooklyn College.
"I came to Huntington from Mineola where I was teaching middle school chorus," Mrs. Graber said. "I was excessed and was looking forward to a job working with younger students and really teaching them the basics of music and to enjoy it. I knew if I came to Huntington I would be getting a lot of support from my administrators and colleagues to develop me as a new teacher. The switch came at a great time for me and I even met my husband here two years later. We are proud to work and live in Huntington."
A Master Teacher
"Susan Graber is an extraordinary teacher who I consider to be a master teacher of music literacy in our elementary schools," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. "Sue has developed an exceptional program and serves as a mentor and role model for our new elementary music teachers. She is one of the most charismatic and positive teachers I have had the joy of working with and her students thrive in the creative activities and supportive environment she provides."
Formerly known by her maiden name, Sue Hahn, the music maestro met Huntington High School social studies James Graber while working in the district and the two hit it off to such a degree that they tied the knot as husband and wife last year.
During her career in the district, Mrs. Graber has worked general music and chorus teacher at Southdown and Washington primary schools and as a Blue Devil marching band staff member. She was directed the J. Taylor Finley Middle School's musical production in 2009 and 2010, was assistant director of the Jack Abrams School's drama club production in 2008, directed the OOMPAH summer program in 2009 and taught for two years in the district's summer special education at Flower Hill School.
"I decided to become a music teacher in eighth grade through a project in a home and careers class," Mrs. Graber said. "I loved music and working with kids. The thought of it just stuck and a few years later I found myself researching good colleges for music education."
Convinced of Music's Value
In an age of budget cutting and overall belt tightening, Mrs. Graber remains convinced of the value of music in the lives of young people. "I believe that music is an important subject for all students, especially at the primary level," she said. "The activities and lessons we use help to develop not only basic musicianship but also the child in general. By the time students are in second grade they are singing, playing, working with others, listening, and reading music all at the same time. Talk about stimulating the brain!"
Mrs. Graber said that movement is another important aspect of the district's music curriculum. "Music activities often touch on and complement many of the subjects students are learning in school," she said. "In the past, we have featured these attributes in grade level concerts at both of my schools."
One of the most important aspects of Mrs. Graber's teaching "is being invitational to all students," she said. "I really try and find positive ways to interact with my students at all times, even when a student needs redirection. This helps more students feel accepted in the music room, even if music really isn't their thing. Getting the students in the room and ready to work without the worry of failure is a big first step in being successful, especially when you only have forty minutes a week to develop a relationship with a student."
During the course of a typical week, Mrs. Graber sees about 650 students. "It's really important to try and reach every single one of them, even if you slip on the names every once in a while."
Principals Praise Her
"Mrs. Graber is an extraordinary teacher who has influenced many students to find themselves through music," Southdown Principal Michelle Marino said. "Her enthusiasm is contagious and you can't help being swept away by her passion for teaching. I am consistently amazed by the level of musicianship our students develop under her thoughtful and motivating tutelage. But, the real indicator of her impact on students is their incredible enthusiasm to go to music with Mrs. Graber each week and be a part of her chorus. The entire Southdown community sings her praises!"
Washington School Principal Marsha Neville, a former elementary music teacher, was equally flattering when asked about Mrs. Graber. "She's one of the best music teachers I have ever seen from a technical perspective," Mrs. Neville said. "But, she also has the ability to capture the attention and imagination of every student. She's exceptional at working with every personality and every skill level."
"I hope my students learn to enjoy music and performing as well as develop an understanding of basic music reading skills," Mrs. Graber said. "Most importantly, I hope the discovery based aspects of my classes help students learn a little bit about themselves and how much a little bit of hard work can pay off. I especially hope the fourth graders can experience this as we spend several weeks or even months preparing for each performance."