By Lisa Capobianco Staff Writer Since the seventh grade, Southington resident John Mastroianni knew he wanted to become a professional musician and a music teacher. By time he reached high school, Mastroianni never doubted he wanted to have an impact on students similar to the way his own music teachers influenced him. “I never wanted to do anything else,” Mastroianni said. Today he has become an acclaimed composer, saxophonist, and arranger, as well as the director of bands at William Hall High School in West Hartford. An educator for 32 years, Mastroianni recently receiv-ed the title of Conn-ecticut’s 2014 Teacher of the Year. “I was really in shock,” said Mastroianni, who performs with his own quartet and leads his own 16-piece jazz orchestra. “This is the most significant achievement—it is humbling.” Chosen among four finalists, Mastroianni underwent a rigorous selection process, including on-site visits, observations, interviews and candidate applications, all conducted by a statewide council of former Teachers of the Year and representatives from education organizations, businesses, and the community, according to a press release from the Connecticut State Department of Education. “It is an honor to recognize an educator as distinguished and talented as John Mastroianni,” said Commissioner of [...]
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