 |
Mr. Peter J. Griffin
Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts
Mr. Griffin received his Bachelor of Music Degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Houston, his Master of Arts in Music Education Degree from Montclair State University, and his Master of Arts in Educational Administration, With Distinction, from Rider University. He is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, Phi Delta Kappa International, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, Music Educators National Conference, International Association of Jazz Educators, New Jersey Music Educators Association, and the New Jersey Music Administrators Association. He was the recipient of a full Band and Music Scholarship from the University of Houston, Director of the Bogota High School “Grand Champion” Concert Band of the 1990 Colonial Classic Music Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia, Guest Conductor of the 1993 North Jersey High School Band Festival, Recipient of the 1997 “Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award,” as well as being named to “Who’s Who Among American Teachers 2000.”
In his ten years as a Supervisor, Mr. Griffin’s programs have received letters of commendation from President William Jefferson Clinton, Senator Robert G. Torricelli, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey State Senator Paul Contillo, and Bergen County Executive William “Pat” Schuber. His programs have also been recognized as a GRAMMY Signature School Finalist and with the American Music Conference’s Best 100 Communities for Music Education.
While in Houston, Mr. Griffin was a member of the Drum Line with the University of Houston Cougar Marching Band under world-renowned director, composer, and arranger, Dr. Bill Moffit, where he performed in the 1979 and 1980 Cotton Bowl Classics. He was the Student Conductor of the University of Houston Percussion Ensemble, as well as Principal Timpanist with the Wind Ensemble under the direction of nationally renowned Texas Bandmaster Eddie Green, and the Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestros Igor Buketoff, Milton Katims, and Michael Moores. He has also performed with the University of Houston Jazz Ensemble under Jazz Recording Artist Tony Campise.
Mr. Griffin has performed professionally with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Opera Studio, and the Houston Ballet, as well as in New York with various off-Broadway productions.
A Percussionist and Drummer by trade, Mr. Griffin has performed and recorded with New York/New Jersey Recording Artists Jersey Joe and the Heat, Joey Valenti and The Matches, Jalloon July, Straight Shot, Nenad Bach, Ray Ack, Phil Garland, John Scaffa, and Janis Feducia. He also served two years as an Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Montclair State University, directing the Montclair State Percussion Ensemble in concerts at Memorial Hall.
Mr. Griffin resides in Belle Mead, New Jersey, with his wife, Monica, and their three children; Sean, Connor, and Shannon. Among his favorite sayings and beliefs include “there is nothing like the realization of a vision for success,” “music and passion from the heart,” “touching lives,” and, “do the right thing for kids!”
|
