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Friday, June 08, 2012 By Reed Anciado
 Music teacher Anthony Paraskevopoulos demonstrates how to play the piano - Shane Africa
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Music appreciation and choir classes are now being taught by Anthony Paraskevopoulos as of May 7. Students said they think he is a good teacher so far and that they learn a lot from him. Staff interviewed by The Student Voice said Paraskevopoulos, who replaced departing music teacher Courtney McDonald, is a good addition to the school.
Paraskevopoulos, who received his doctoral degree in music from Columbia University, said he has 20 years experience of working in high schools. Paraskevopoulos said he is “happy here because [the students] are very smart with some expectations overlooked.”
Some students said they feel as if music classes are better with Paraskevopoulos.
“He has my interest when it comes to music,” freshman Lola Carter said. She said she’s learning things from Paraskevopoulos like “how to read music notes and the different keys on a piano.”
Freshman Marlia Ruiz said she feels as if Paraskevopoulos is “funny,” and that her class “learns a lot” from him.
“Music class is better with [Paraskevopoulos] now,” Ruiz said.
Freshman Miguel Perez said that his classmates “stay quiet for [Paraskevopoulos] during class,” and that the students ”do work because it’s fun.”
Sophomore Joanne Ramirez said she already feels as if he’s really “focused with us and our skills.” Ramirez said she is excited for her new teacher, but is worried about whether he will return next year.
Though there are students that think Paraskevopoulos is making classes better, some students think otherwise.
Sophomore Kari-Indigo Mathews said Paraskevopoulos has “good piano skills,” but that she misses McDonald because she made the classes lively and fun.
Clarence “Coach C” Collins said Paraskevopoulos is a good addition to the school and “he’s a great and friendly person.”
“He’s a great guy, very informative and approachable,” Collins said. He has “great spirit and [is] very knowledgeable of music.” Collins said he feels as if Paraskevopoulos has gone “above and beyond” in introducing himself to the school’s staff and students.
Dean Erie Lugo said he “expects the students to learn music, not just listen” and that Paraskevopoulos is “very phenomenal.”
Lugo said that Paraskevopoulos was interviewed when the school was looking to replace outgoing music teacher Michelle Whitescarver, though McDonald was hired. After McDonald’s departure, Paraskevopoulos was interviewed again and “wowed the administrative team,” according to Lugo.
Paraskevopoulos said his main concern right now is getting the choir prepped for graduation.
“I will light the assembly with ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’” Paraskevopoulos said. The “chorus will also sing ‘Graduation Day’ by the Beach Boys and ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from ‘Titanic.’”
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