September Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Angela Santangelo

Angela Santangelo is the Orchestra Director for grades 7-12 in the Sycamore School District, Cincinnati, OH; having previously taught in the Princeton City School District, with her first year in the Winton Woods School District. A transplant to the area, Santangelo first visited Paul Bartel and The Baroque Violin Shop as an undergraduate violist. Dr. Santangelo earned her degrees at The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music during which time she met her husband, a local Cincinnati musician who introduced her to Skyline Chili; prior to which she had managed to live in Cincy for three years before succumbing to the local delicacy.

Tell us about your school’s orchestra program? 

The Sycamore Orchestra department is a growing program currently reaching over 400 students in grades 5-12 under the shared talents of Tanner Otto and Angela Santangelo.  In addition to grade level orchestras, Sycamore Advanced Strings and the Sycamore Rock Orchestra offer extracurricular classical, pop, and alternative styles of music. At the high school level, we are regularly able to offer full orchestra performances and have many students in advanced ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras and the Cincinnati Junior Strings.

What instruments do you play/teach? 

My first instrument is piano, followed by viola, although I enjoy playing and teaching all of the string instruments.

How did your career in music get started? 

I was a serious piano student and my high school piano teacher urged me to join the orchestra in order to audition for the senior concerto competition; therefore, I started learning the viola! I had no idea that I would fall in love with the viola, the orchestra, the music, and the experience. God rest your soul, Mrs. D.. I owe my career to the support of my parents and my music teachers along the way; Mrs. DiDomenico, Ms. Carol Clark, Mr. Frank Dispenza, Dr. Gerry Doan, Dr. Liz Wing, Dr. Rene Boyer and Professor Mark Gibson.

What’s your favorite song to play? 

The 4 B’s: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and the Beatles.

What are some of your other hobbies? 

I enjoy reading, running, and cooking a good meal for family and friends.

What has been your favorite moment as a teacher? 

Being able to have all students back in the classroom this year has been a special moment and a reminder to celebrate the joy of the music community.

What do you find to be the best motivator for students? 

Great question! While approaches may change from year to year, one constant is passion. Students pick up on your passion for music and there is no better motivator than sharing joy through music.

What are your future goals as a musician and teacher? 

Sycamore Orchestra performing Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Click image to view video

To continue to find new ways to connect with the next generation through music. The human connection is the orchestra's secret weapon. Anyone can practice and excel on their instrument at home, but one cannot have an orchestral experience as an individual. It is through the common focus and goal of music that an orchestra exists.