Four of TASD teachers have decided to retire this year, amongst these educators is middle school band instructor Thomas Verzella.
Verzella has been an educator at TASD for ten years and feels he is “prepared” for his retirement; he and his wife, who retired last year, have made retirement plans together.
Verzella has plans to travel to see his children and grandchildren in Kansas City and Myrtle Beach. Although he is looking forward to this time with his family, he stated “I enjoy working with all of my student’s. I will miss them,” Verzella said.
“He taught me to play the sax and helped a lot. He is very laid back but could discipline,” Davina Lee, freshman, said.
Verzella plans to stay involved in music after retirement. He will continue his private teachings, and he runs a choir he also plans to continue with.
“He was a pretty good marching band tech,” Byron Stroud, freshman, said. “He will be missed.”
Who’s going to fix the horns? He’s the master of the bubble game and said duct tape fixes everything,” MJ Hunt, freshman, said.
“It’s a double-edge sword. If you know Mr. V., you know he will enjoy his retirement and you know he will stay active in music so from that standpoint, I’m happy for him. He’s got a beautiful family to enjoy and I’m sure he’ll live up his golden years,” Mr. Murphy, high school band director and Dean of Students, said. “On the flip side, I also know how much the students enjoy and respect him as an educator. The same should be said of the entire music faculty. We love having him around and he brings a lot of fun and enjoyment to our department. He’ll be missed dearly and for that I’m sad to see him retire.”
“We are sad that Mr. Verzella is retiring. He has been a very important part of the Middle School music department as well as the whole district music department,” Mrs. Estep, Middle school principal, said. “He has made a great impact on the students that he has taught to play an instrument and the knowledge that he has given to these students will last them a lifetime. We wish Mr. V. well in his retirement.”
Verzella expressed that he believes in the music department because it is a well put- together group. Though unsure who will be taking his place at this time, Verzella feels that when he leaves there should be a smooth transition to the new School year and new band instructor.
Verzella expresses belief in his students and hopes of accomplishment. “I’d love to see [the students] get into districts, regionals, and states. I really hope they will go out for marching band in high school,” Verzella said.
Of all the changes to come in his life, Verzella feels that what he will miss the most are his students, but has no regret of not having to drive to the building from Altoona in the snow every winter.
Verzella’s advice to the other teacher planning to retire in years to come is:
“Realize it will be a big difference. Plan ahead and enjoy what time you have left with your students and co-workers,” Verzella said.
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