Fairfield High School welcomes new band director

[Editor’s note: This story was written by Fairfield High School senior Zoe Soares, who is job shadowing Southeast Iowa Union Editor Andy Hallman as part of a work study program through the school.]

Tyler Nunziato was recently hired as band director at Fairfield High School, the job previously held by Hannah Ball for the last two years.

Nunziato was born in Florida, and spent part of his upbringing in New York and New Jersey before moving back to Florida, to Palm Beach County. He joined band in sixth grade, and played baritone clarinet, trumpet and trombone. He continued on this path into high school, where he attended Park Vista High School in Lake Worth, Florida. He continued his education in Florida Atlantic University, receiving his bachelor’s degree, and is working toward his master's degree in Music Education through the University of Florida.

During his time in school, he was mentored by many educators, but one stood out- his own band director, who was a major inspiration in his decision to become one himself. In fact, he knew as early as the end of sophomore year of high school that he wanted to be a band director.

Another big inspiration in his career path was a peer who unfortunately passed away very young, but inspired Nunziato in ways no one else had. This fueled him to be an inspiration for others-specifically his students. He especially wanted to help and inspire those who might not receive it, which is why he mostly enjoys working at lower-income schools, because he strives to provide them with as many resources as possible.

Band is not his only passion, though. If he had gone into a different profession, he would have become a sports broadcaster, or a teacher of a core subject.

Something that he also enjoys is having the students perform music with educational value, and letting them play music they like listening to and playing. Nunziato himself is very influenced by jazz. He was even in jazz band in 12th grade, making it one of his favorite genres to teach as well as play, and he is really trying to regrow the jazz program at the school.

To become a band director, Nunziato had to learn almost every instrument. The easiest to learn was the alto saxophone, and the most difficult was flute. This is because the instrument requires the user to blow air across the top of the mouthpiece instead of into it, as most other instruments require.

When it comes to other groups such as pep band (which performs at the FHS varsity basketball games), his favorite song to play is the popular song “Tequila.” A tradition started years ago, the pep band is split into two equal groups: orange and black (the school colors) as to not overwhelm students by having to come to every game.

His favorite part of being a band director is being able to work with students on school related activities that they’re not forced to do. The students don’t have to be there- they want to, and sometimes it’s even their passion. Passion is something a lot of students have at Fairfield High School, according to Nunziato. In fact, this is one of his favorite parts about working there-all the energy, camaraderie, and school spirit that is so alive in the students. However, it is a big time commitment. There are students who sometimes need extra time after school or during other periods. All of this extra time is worth it for Nunziato.

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