Musketeer Monday Part One: Kennedy Burgess

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Musketeer Monday Part One: Kennedy Burgess, Band & General Music Teacher, Alfano Elementary School

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: Alfano Elementary School / Grades 4–6 / Band & General Music

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: 8 years.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: Growing up, I was always very involved in music both in and out of school. It was something I naturally gravitated toward, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My band teachers used to joke that I was “born playing the flute.” I was inspired to pursue music education by my middle school and high school band teachers, whose passion and love for their students and programs left a lasting impression on me.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: My favorite part of this school is the students. I know it sounds cliché, but they are truly incredible. I love building relationships with them and watching them grow into amazing people and musicians. Getting to see former students and celebrate their successes is especially meaningful to me.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching my students become better musicians from week to week and concert to concert. As an elementary band director, I get to introduce students to their very first instrument and help build their musical foundation. Watching them go from knowing nothing to playing their first notes and songs truly feels like magic.

Q: What’s a memorable moment you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: I’ve had many memorable moments over the years, but recently, the band and music department field trips at Alfano have stood out. We took students to New York City to see The Nutcracker performed by the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony at the DiMenna Center. While bringing twenty fifth- and sixth-graders into the city can be stressful, it was an incredible experience. The students loved taking the train and exploring the city, and I was so grateful for the teachers and parents who helped make the day a success.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: I have to give a huge shoutout to Jack Seabury, who has since retired. Jack was my mentor when I started at Alfano eight years ago in my first full-time position. There was no band program at the time, and he sat with me every day as we built it from the ground up—unwrapping instruments, setting up stands, and answering every question I had. I truly would have been lost without his support.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: I love when the high school band comes to Alfano for district caroling. Seeing so many of my former students perform is such a joyful and special experience.

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: I grew up in Greenlawn and attended the Harborfields Central School District. I studied Music Education and Flute Performance at the Crane School of Music and later earned my Master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University. I was originally set to attend West Virginia University for Flute Performance, but life had other plans—and I’m grateful it led me here.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A: I love many different books, movies, and TV shows. One of my favorite books is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I enjoy science fiction shows like The X-Files and Lost, and I also love the movie Twilight.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt. I love this quote because it reminds me that you can always make the best of any situation.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I love continuing to play my flute and perform with the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra and the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony. Outside of music, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: Steve Irwin. I grew up watching him on Animal Planet, and I think he would be incredibly passionate and interesting to talk to.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: I would probably be an author. I loved writing stories when I was younger.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: Seeing the Northern Lights.