Ferdinand A. Pasqua, Ed.D. 2012 Take Note Award Winner
2012 Winner
Ferdinand A. Pasqua, Ed.D.
Director of Bands and District Liaison for Music
Harrison CSD Harrison, NY
Dr. Pasqua was awarded a Bachelor of Music in Education (1969) and a Master’s Degree in Musical Performance (1973) from the Boston Conservatory of Music, A degree in Educational Administration from Fairfield University (1983), and Doctorate of Education from Columbia University Teachers College (2001).
Dr. Pasqua’s career in music education has included experiences in all levels of music education both in the United States and abroad. He currently is the Director of Bands in the Harrison Central School District since 1990 and has been an adjunct professor with Quinnipiac University since 2002.
He was selected for “Teacher of the Year” while working for the Aramco Schools in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; and recently, “Arts Educator of the Year” (2010) by Arts Westchester (NY).
Dr. Pasqua’s educational vision is to promote music and music education through authentic performance. Under his direction the Harrison High School Bands have performed in venues such as Lincoln Center, The Peach Bowl, Yankee Stadium, Giant’s Stadium, Disney World, the Berklee High school Jazz Festival Festival, and most recently were asked to represent the State of New York in the Hawaiian Pearl Harbor Ceremony of 2012. His program features “out of school” venues for small ensemble performances as well travel performances for the larger ensembles. Dr. Pasqua believes that the passion and understanding of music is best developed through “real life” performances in authentic situations…outside of the classroom.
The Take Note Award
In 2010, Berklee College of Music introduced Take Note: The Berklee Award for Innovative Teaching, which recognizes excellence, commitment, and innovation in the teaching and development of contemporary music education. This award is designed to take note of music educators who have contributed to the advancement of music education and inspired their students to reach for their dreams. Recipients uphold the highest standards of teaching and education, bringing distinction and awareness to their institution and their students.
On March 5, 2011, Radio Cremata was the recipient of the second Take Note Award. Cremata teaches in Miami, Florida.
Take Note: The Berklee Award for Innovative Teaching will be presented at Berklee’s High School Jazz Festival in Boston on March 10, 2012.
Eligibility
Take Note: The Berklee Award for Innovative Teaching is designed to recognize the professional accomplishments of an outstanding music educator who meets the following criteria:
- Must be a K-12 music educator in a public, private, or homeschool setting
- Must have a demonstrated record of teaching excellence in the area of contemporary music education, including innovative and creative approaches that engage students in the art of making music (any style or genre)
The recipient of this award will receive the following:
- Expenses covered to attend the award ceremony at the Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival in Boston on March 10, 2012
- $500 cash prize
- Invitation to speak to music education students at Berklee
- Coverage in Berklee Today magazine
- Online education package through Berklee Media for the award recipient or a student of his/her choosing
- Publications from Berklee Press for the recipient’s institution
Selection Process
Submissions for the 2012 Take Note award are now closed.
