Catrina Tangchittsumran (Ms. T., as she is fondly called by her students at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington) does what many would find impossible: She motivates 160 middle school band students to take risks and grow as musicians.
“I have witnessed how Ms. T. has drawn out an inner confidence in [my daughter] Abi that I haven’t seen in years — she believes in Abi,” says parent Amy Rowland. “She encouraged her to try out for District Honors Band, and she made it. That is all due to knowing that Ms. T. believes in Abi’s abilities and challenges her to be the best flute player she can be.”
Band director Tangchittsumran instructs five classes daily, including both symphonic and concert bands. Inclusion is a keystone of her teaching.
“She has quintupled [band] enrollment at Jefferson Middle School since she began teaching there 19 years ago, learning Spanish to reach bilingual families, transcribing music into Braille for three blind students, and making instrument modifications for differently abled kids,” says Kathleen Jacoby, the director of bands at Herndon High School.
Tangchittsumran focuses on building community with her musical selections. Performance pieces range from traditional Native American music to the Pokémon theme song.
“How can I make sure that every student can feel connected and represented?” she says.
Tangchittsumran’s concert bands display diversity and excellence, and her band has received straight superior ratings in competitions. All her classes, grades six through eight, prepare several concerts a year for the community.
“I really love, specifically, that I teach middle school,” Tangchittsumran says. “I get to teach so many of these students for three full years in this really formative developmental stage — I really love to see who the kids are becoming.”
With a bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University and a master’s degree in instrumental conducting from Sam Houston State University, Tangchittsumran teaches all band instruments to her students — whether they play woodwind, brass, or percussion.
“When my students look around the room and look over their experience for three years in middle school band, [I want them to] understand that there’s a place for them in what we do,” she says.
Parents attest to Tangchittsumran’s kindness, discipline, and mentorship.
“I have had two children participate, and I could not be more grateful that they had the experience. Not only does she teach them how to be a musician but also how to be a good human,” says parent Irma De Leon. “Due to Ms. T.’s dedication, they now have a lifelong appreciation for music and music performance.”
Feature image by Jeff Heeney
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This story originally appeared in our October 2023 issue’s Teacher of the Year story. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
