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Thomas Grandprey
Teacher of the Month
By Crystal Patriarche
It is hard to imagine how Thomas Grandprey, teacher at David Prouty High School in Spencer, Mass., juggles all his responsibilities. Not only is Grandprey the concert band, jazz improvisation and music technology teacher at the high school, he also teaches concert and jazz bands at the junior high and directs such after school groups as the marching band, jazz band and the pit orchestra for the school musical. To top this off, Grandprey is the father of two – 2-year-old Ella and new baby Grace.
Grandprey, who has been at David Prouty for the past three of his 10 years teaching, says he is most proud of his students, especially their work ethic and positive attitude. "After recently being out a week for the birth of my second daughter, a number of teachers who had covered for me complimented my classes on how well they worked together to continue to make music as a group," he says.
Kevin Wells, principal of the school, says Grandprey, who is affectionately known as Mr. G by his students, is a true educator of music and has all the qualities necessary to be a teacher who impacts students' lives. "His passion for teaching and love for seeing his students succeed has no limits," Wells says. "He has taken over a band program that was struggling and has directed our band into the 'The pride and class of Central Mass.'"
Wells adds that Grandprey is dedicated to his students and the school – working countless hours helping the students strive for excellence. "Most of all, he is a man of quality who brings out the best in people," Wells says.
Sixteen-year-old Courtney Jones says Grandprey is the best teacher any student could ask for and that he deserves more than just Teacher of the Month. "He should be teacher of a lifetime," Jones says. "The reason he is such an awesome teacher is because not only does he teach us to play music, how music is important and how we will always have music, he also teaches us life lessons that will help us accept many types of people and work as a team in any situation."