New TAHS chorus teacher Gabrielle Petrarca knew she had some big shoes to fill following the retirement of long-time director Laura Harris, but fortunately for her and her students, she came to the job with some valuable experience and knowledge of the Tyrone music program.
As a music education student at IUP, Petrarca observed classes at Tyrone and did her student teaching at TAHS, so although she is new, she was already quite familiar with Tyrone’s music program.
Petrarca grew up in Altoona and graduated from Altoona Area High School in 2018. She continued her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and earned a degree in Music Education degree focused on voice.
Before coming to Tyrone, she was a music teacher at Bishop Guilfoyle Academy in Altoona, where she also directed the school’s choral program.
Outside of teaching, Petrarca enjoys performing in local theater. She worked at a theater in Iowa, and her last show was Marvelous Wonderettes.
Petrarca also enjoys activities outside the arts such as playing video games, cooking, and baking. For students interested, her favorite video games are Persona 5 and Mario Cart.
Junior Hailey Lowery enjoys how Petrarca engages and interacts with her students.
“She is very hands-on in helping the different voice parts. She helps us in Alto 1 and Alto 2 because she breaks things down so we can understand what we are singing more. The year has just begun and I have already learned so much from her and my confidence has grown in my voice immensely,” said Lowery.
Lowery also said that it has been interesting to work with her because her teaching style is different from Mrs. Harris.
“Ms. Petrarca has us try new things every day. On the third day of school, we did an improv vocal warm-up that was extremely fun. Mrs. Harris was an amazing vocal coach, and so is Ms. Pertrarca. They just had different ways of doing things. Ms. Petrarca is just more in-depth with working with one or a few students specifically if they need more help or want help,” said Lowery.
Petrarca is excited to be involved with the spring musical, The Addams Family, along with the new Drama Club adviser Jonathan Holmes.
Petrarca is also trying to grow the middle school program as well.
“We are doing the select choir for 6th, 7th, and 8th. It looks different because Mrs. Harris used to have a vocal attraction class for 7th and 8th grade, and since I am new I’m trying to get more kids involved with it,” Petrarca said.
The students in chorus say that Petrarca is a good fit for Tyrone Area School District, and the future is looking bright for years to come for the music department.
