Samantha Andrejcisk
MM '20
As artists, we express ourselves through passion and dedication. As educators, we inspire our students to find their voice and share their stories with the world.
As an urban educator, Samantha established her middle school band program around the principles of musical excellence, diversity and leadership. Her band has performed locally and across the Tri-State area at music festivals and sporting events. She is an advocate for all students to participate in band regardless of academic or cultural background. Her master’s thesis promotes the programming of diverse music and minority student participation in band. She plans to present educational workshops to help other music educators diversify their programs.
In addition to teaching band, Samantha established a Little Kids Rock modern band program and directed junior musicals at her school. Samantha received recognition for "Excellent Leadership in Athletic Competition" as Caption Head for Elizabeth High School's undefeated championship marching band season in 2020, and her concert band was highlighted during the Elizabeth Board of Education’s President’s Tour in 2017. Additionally, she presented her research at Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Undergraduate Scholars Forum in 2014.
Samantha is a classical and jazz trumpet player and private instructor. Her other performance experiences include pit orchestra, local gigs, Hersheypark Entertainment, and the world class drum corps, Boston Crusaders and Hawthorne Caballeros. She is excited to begin her new job as band director at Nutley Middle School this fall.