Interview with Mr. Bova

Klaudia Chodakowska, Interviewer
November 21, 2022

1. Why did you become a music teacher?

It all started in summer of 2017 while I was attending Morris Hills High School. Over the summer break I was working at McDonalds; while I appreciated the employment opportunity it provided and while my coworkers were pleasant, it was there that I realized I needed to follow my passion, and that was music. For if I were to do what I love, I would not have to work a single day in my life.

I was always very musically engaged in middle school and in high school, as I was always playing clarinet, guitar, and composing my own music. I love what I do, and I hope my passion for the subject comes across in my teaching.

2. What is your favorite instrument?

I have several favorites. If we are speaking in terms of prestige it would be piano. There are so many songs written for it and it offers maximum versatility when playing. For pure fun, trombone; and one instrument that holds a special place in my heart is Cello.

3. Do you play any instruments?

I enjoy playing the guitar the most, but I am the best at playing clarinet.

4. What’s your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Back to the future. I love how they move together.

5. Did you perform in any musical events?

Yes, many:

  • TJ Concerts and Musicals when I was in 6th-8th grade including:
    • Alice in Wonderland
    • Peter Pan
    • The Little Mermaid
  • High School Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Concert Band and musicals:
    • I was Section Leader for Clarinets and Drum Major in marching band
    • Musicals include The Addams Family, Jekyll and Hyde, In the Heights, and Fiddler on the Roof; I was always called the cast dad.
  • At the University Level, I played at Club Rock with other fellow TJ graduates in 2019. At CCM (County College of Morris) I was a part of their choir and had the honor of performing Handel’s Messiah (Hallelujah Chorus)
  • At William Paterson University, which I transferred to in 2019, I was a part of the WPU WInd Ensemble and the WPU Orchestra, playing greats works such as Beethoven’s 8th Symphony, Night on Bald Mountain, Offenbach’s Orfeo Overture (Can-Can), and The Thieving Magpie (Rossini) playing clarinet in both ensembles. I was also in the WPU General Chorus
  • I am currently a part of the Harmonium Choral Society with Mrs. Love, and may also be playing Cello in the William Paterson University Orchestra in 2023.

6. Would you rather perform in a musical event or watch a musical event?

Depends on the event. If it’s Jazz or rock I would rather play the music that is more inviting whereas if it’s classical it could go either way I would rather listen to Bethovens 7th symphony.