Music Alumni Profiles

Corey Seapy
Music Education Major
Class of 2008

December, 2011—Gordon College Music Education Alum Receives $10,000 Grant with Winning Video Entry to the National Association for Music Education's "Glee Give a Note Contest".

Corey Seapy currently serves as the Director of Bands at Georgetown Middle/High School in Georgetown, MA, where he works with four concert bands and two jazz bands in addition to teaching music electives.  He also serves as Conductor of the Northeast Massachusetts Wind Ensemble and Assistant Conductor of the Gordon College Wind Ensemble.

In the fall of 2011, the National Association for Music Education's (NAfMe) Give a Note Foundation partnered with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and its smash hit "Glee" to launch a $1 million initiative to support music education programs in need.

To be considered for one of the 73 awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, a two-minute video submission was required, telling the story of a school music program and why they were in desperate need of financial support. When he presented the idea to his students, they were thrilled with the creative opportunity to produce their own video submission. Under the artistic vision of a junior percussionist, Corey's students rose to the occasion, motivated by the prospect of bringing in some much needed funding (and the opportunity to 'star' in a clip that would be viewed and voted upon by thousands.)

SEE THE WINNING VIDEO ENTRY HERE

The grant money awarded to Georgetown will be used to purchase new instruments to replace the many in disrepair that are currently inhibiting students' ability to make great music. A portion of the award money will also be set aside to jump start a campaign to raise money for a grand piano—something that Georgetown is in desperate need of, but would never be able to afford if it weren't for the generosity of other and the prospect of outside funding.

About Corey's Gordon Experience
"Both of my parents are outstanding educators, so I was well aware of how rewarding the teaching profession can be. A passion for the subject matter and a desire for a meaningful, daily interaction with other people combined to make teaching music and conducting the perfect career path. During my time at Gordon I was inspired daily by the outstanding music education faculty and my fellow student musicians, as we learned how to actually do what we love to do with effectiveness, passion and meaning.

“I am grateful that I was encouraged by my mentors a Gordon to become involved as a student leader in the collegiate chapters of MMEA and NAFME. These leadership and networking opportunities were crucial for me because they helped me maintain a perspective that reached far beyond Wenham. My teachers were relentless in their encouragement and their willingness to invest in me so that I might make a difference in the field of music beyond Gordon College."