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NAME:
Mrs. Jean Kovacs
SCHOOL:
Orange Avenue Elementary School/Jonathan Law High School
CLASS:
Music
SCHOOL PHONE:
203-783-3537 (Orange Ave.) 203-783 - (Jonathan Law)
Greetings and welcome to my web page!
I was born and raised in Milford (the youngest of five children). I began
playing piano when I was in Kindergarten and have been playing ever since.
Being a teacher "when I grow up" was something I decided to do when I was in
third grade. Not being very athletic, I found that Music was something that I
could do well, so I got involved.
In Elementary School I enjoyed my music classes. I played flutophone
(like the recorder) and sang in chorus. I began studying piano with Phyllis
White (she was definitely the best!!)
When I went into High school, I was in Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands and in
the Concert Choir. I also was the musical director for three Drama Club
productions: MAME, BELLS ARE RINGING and BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER (Mrs. White
even helped me learn some of the music for the shows!)
Music wasn't only part of my school life. As an eighth grade student and all
through high school and three years in college I sang and played guitar in the
FolkGroup at St. Ann church in Devon. Now, as an adult, I have a Youth Choir
at St. Ann. I have used some of the same songs I sang years ago, along with
more contemporary music.
I attended Western Connecticut State University in Danbury and received
my B.S in Music Education in 1979. I was hired by the Milford Board of
Education that same year and have been teaching here ever since. I studied
voice with Mrs. White (she was a fantastic singer!!!) which helped a lot in
school. (Singing and speaking all day can be soooo tough on a voice!)
In 1981, I joined a community chorus called "SOUND OF FREEDOM". I loved
singing and performing. It was directed by Mim Sciangalepore (she was also a
Music Teacher in Milford) and I loved working with her. She was very
inspiring to me. I was named Director of the group in 1982 when she retired.
It was such an enriching experience. One that I will never forget!
I have taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels in
Milford. I was trained in 1988 to work with Student Teachers and New
teachers. In 1991, I earned my M.S. Degree in Elementary Education from
Southern CT. State University.
I came to Orange Avenue in 1997 where I teach full time. As of September,
2006, I am also teaching at Jonathan Law High School as their Chorus director.
Through the years, I have played for many different types of performances
in and out of school. I have two sons Andrew and Christopher. They both
enjoy music and play instruments. I am very proud of them both!
My mission is to give my students the best possible opportunities to become
involved in Music making. I hope their involvement will help foster self
confidence,risk taking ( you know....I really wanted to try out...but I just
couldn't do it!), and most of all to help them grow as individuals. Music is
a part of who we are and it goes way beyond what one or two people might think
or want. Students who allow themselves to experience success and failure and
"roll" with those experiences will grow into adults who are
more tolerant and patient. As children and young adults they will be more
understanding of individual differences and more willing to do what they can
to contribute to the world in which they live. I feel that Music is the way
to help foster RESPECT for self and others because it's meaning is emotional
and is different for each of us.
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