Growing music program strikes a chord with SWBOCES students
Second teacher brings industry experience, expanded opportunities for creativity and connection
The program was revived just a few years ago with the hiring of teacher Andrew Ruoti. With the addition of teacher Curtis Haywood this school year, even more students are learning to express themselves and connect with others. These teachers travel between multiple Special Services locations and are planning student performances later this school year, including a holiday concert and possibly a talent show.
“I’m really excited that Curtis has joined us,” Mr. Ruoti said. “We spent much of the summer planning together, blending our musical backgrounds and perspectives. We looked carefully at what I’d built over the past few years and added Curtis’s ideas and experiences. Now, a couple of months into the school year, we’re doing exactly what we set out to do.”
Mr. Haywood, a jazz saxophonist and recording artist with a decade of teaching experience, appreciates the chance to bring his performance background into the classroom.
“The technology we have lets me share what I do as a musician,” he said. “It’s a very different environment from my past teaching experiences — small classes, strong support, and students who really respond to the energy of music.”
Mr. Haywood recalled a recent lesson where nonverbal students picked up percussion instruments and began keeping a steady beat — perfectly in time, despite background noise.
“That tells me something is happening neurologically — music is activating their brains in powerful ways,” he said. “I’ve seen students who seemed emotionally disconnected start smiling or moving to the rhythm. One student smiled for the first time during class, and the teacher took a photo. It was a moment none of us will forget.”
Mr. Ruoti said those moments underscore music’s deeper purpose.
“Music supports brain function, focus, and academic growth, but it also provides emotional release,” he said. “It’s a tool for self-expression and emotional regulation — something students can always turn to.”
