This edition’s “Teacher Spotlight” features Symphonic Band director, Matthew Gramata. The 2013-2014 school year will be his fourth year here at West Milford High School, and he’s just getting started.

Mr. Gramata became acquainted with music when he was in the fourth grade in his hometown of South Brunswick, New Jersey. “I chose the saxophone because it was the ‘coolest,’” says Gramata. A few years later he was inspired to pursue music by his middle school private sax teacher. When in high school he was accepted into the regional, all-state, and all-national ensembles-experiences that ensured he had made the right decision. Gramata would go on to attend The College of New Jersey where he studied music education. Currently, he is pursuing his Master’s in music education through the University of Florida.

Here at the high school, Mr. Gramata teaches Symphonic Band, woodwind lessons, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. If that is not involved enough, Gramata is also a professional freelance musician and helps out with the varsity boy’s soccer team at the school.

When he is not behind a music stand, Gramata’s other passion in life is soccer. Gramata has been playing soccer since he was little and says, “It is a game I truly love.” When Gramata first arrived in West Milford he became involved in the recreational soccer community. His soccer career kicked off after participating in local soccer leagues. Currently, Gramata plays in a men’s travel league throughout North Jersey, an indoor league in Randolph, and summer leagues in South Brunswick.

While being involved and taking part in the community are important to this dynamic personality, there’s no doubt he gets stressed, too. When feeling overwhelmed, Gramata heads to the gym for an endorphin-pumping workout, kicks around the ball at the soccer field, or listens to or plays music. “Being on the soccer pitch alone allows me to get away and clear my mind. I’ll listen to music, usually songs without words, to calm me down [or] get away from all of the work I have to do,” says Mr. Gramata.

Gramata has also put his passport to good use. In March of 2013, Gramata travelled to Germany for ten days to see his favorite soccer team, Bayern Munich, play. In December, Gramata will be celebrating the New Year in China, and recent news will bring him to South America, where he will attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil this upcoming summer, a dream come true for this die-hard fan.

Gramata is also a hard core New York Knicks fan and enjoys television shows like “Entourage,” “Seinfeld,” “Game of Thrones” and ESPN. His favorite foods range from home-cooked to quality restaurant chains, stating, “You can’t go wrong with a pulled pork sandwich, my mother’s brisket, or anything from the Cheesecake Factory in my eyes.”

During the holidays, Gramata enjoys spending time with and shopping for his family. He considers himself, “very creative when it comes to gift giving,” carefully selecting a gift that suits each significant person in his life. While he celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, Christmas is his favorite holiday. Trips to Pennsylvania for Christmas Eve and his parents’ house on Christmas Day are some of his travel traditions, although not annually. Stop by and say hello to this friendly teacher.