Alum Andrew Kruc (MAT '12) plays his drum set.
Alumni

BM '07 (Percussion), MAT '12 (Music Education)

Music Education (MAT)

The University of the Arts MAT program is the place to be if you value musicianship and music education. I would not be the teacher I have become without the amazing staff and unforgettable experiences provided by the UArts. I am proud to call myself a musician-educator!

Alum Andrew Kruc (MAT '12) poses with his music class.

Andrew Kruc is a musician-educator for the William Penn School District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kruc teaches grades K-6 at Walnut Street Elementary School, and his teaching responsibilities include General Music, Band, and Choir. He is also a cooperating teacher for a current graduate student, his first student teacher, at the University of the Arts as well.

Each week, approximately 374 students attend Mr. Kruc’s general music classroom where they are engaged in Orff-style lessons in a curriculum filled with singing, instrument playing, movement and music theory. In regards to the impact Mr. Kruc has had on Walnut Street’s music program, Principal Joseph Williams stated, “Music is in his heart and spirit. The connections he makes with students carries through their interactions with their school work, peers and staff members throughout the day. Students are more engaged in class and demonstrate positive behavior more consistently. Although Mr. Kruc’s primary role focuses on music, he is just as invested in students’ academic success.” Mr. Williams recently nominated Mr. Kruc as a candidate for the Phillies’ All Star Teacher Award.

In Mr. Kruc’s first year as the Band Director 40 students signed up to join. Today 50 members make up Walnut Street’s band. Mr. Kruc and his students have worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of culture and success in elementary band. Students are not only becoming well-rounded young musicians but they are also taking part in experiences that allows them to perform in and out of school. Mr. Kruc’s band has performed on-field at the Wilmington Blue Rocks and Trenton Thunder baseball games annually.

Mr. Kruc also serves as the school’s Choir Director. The program features students in grades 4–6, and has grown from 25 members to 40 in one year. Although choir was just initiated two years ago, the students are accomplishing big things. Last year, they were selected as a 101.1 MoreFM Christmas Choir Competition semifinalist. It was such an amazing feat that the choir was highlighted in a local community newspaper article. The choir continues to record music for the community to enjoy, and can also be heard on YouTube.

Mr. Kruc is just as busy outside of the classroom. He is the co-founder of WhoaPhat Brass Band. Several years ago Mr. Kruc was invited to UArts to present a brass band curriculum to MAT students. He also performs in the tri-state area with various wedding bands. Lastly, he serves as a music director, bassist and percussionist at City Life Church in South Philadelphia. Mr. Kruc is immensely proud to live a life of teaching and performing and he owes much of that credit to his time spent at UArts. #MATproud

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