Carnegie hall is a place for velvet seats, bright lights, and elegance, a place for esteemed musicians and innovative creators. So, when Marissa Iezzi performed at Carnegie Hall in her senior year of high school with her school’s band, it was a monumental accomplishment that took years of hard work.

When Iezzi was in middle school, she started her music career playing the flute; however, she did not fall in love with playing until she really learned the potential she had as a flutist. She was especially inspired by her former middle school band teacher, David Giardina, who pushed her to go beyond the middle school band and try out new opportunities such as music programs and regionals.

“I really enjoyed playing in summer programs and regionals because I was pretty competitive,” Iezzi stated. 

“I would audition for regionals and all-state to try to beat my previous scores from the years past, but also I would meet other student musicians from all over the state which led to some lifelong friendships.”

Giardina also encouraged Iezzi to try out the trumpet, which led her to join the jazz band. This was a skill that she carried with her through high school, where she continued to be inspired by music through her new teacher, Mr. Fred Rossomondo.

“Mr. Rossomondo was an exceptional educator who also encouraged me to participate in ECE (Educational Center for the Arts). He taught me how to teach private lessons for younger students and made me a section leader. He loved the Beatles and Broadway and everything about New York City which had a major impact on my teaching to this day,” said Iezzi.

Her passion for music quickly grew into a career opportunity. Iezzi decided to play the flute and trumpet in college, where she concentrated on performing jazz.

For her undergrad Iezzi attended “Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where I studied Music Education. I got my masters from Cabrini University right outside of Philadelphia.”

For the past four years, Iezzi has been working at Woodland Regional High School, gracing the students and staff with her musical knowledge. 

“Here at Woodland, I do everything music. I teach concert band, concert choir, ECE Music Appreciation, ECE Popular Music and Diversity in American Society, Applied instrumental music, and music theory courses.”

Iezzi recognizes the importance of the arts in schools and she works hard to give every student a creative outlet, if they so choose.

“Music courses are a change of pace from your regular core classes. In Woodland’s music courses we play music. I always say it’s called playing music for a reason,” said Iezzi. 

“It’s supposed to be fun. We don’t say “working music.” I try to make sure we play music students would love playing or listening to.”

Aside from the pandemic, Iezzi has found that a major struggle is getting kids to enroll in music courses. She understands that Woodland offers so many amazing learning pathways and it is difficult for students to fit music courses into their schedule. 

Regardless, the music program offers endless benefits to those who chose to participate.

“We have a mix of students of all grades and abilities coming together to create and play music. Students have an opportunity for scholarships, and to develop well-rounded resumes. Learning music promotes language, reasoning, craftsmanship, and it has been proven that music students have improved quality of work in other courses.”