Gaetano Cecere (called Gary) is on the faculty of Don Bosco Prep since 2006 as the Director of the Concert Band, String Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, and Music Teacher.  In 2018, he was awarded the US Presidential Scholars’ Most Influential Teacher.   Mr. Cecere came to Don Bosco Prep from Halsey Intermediate School 296, a magnet school for the arts in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where he was band teacher for twenty-five years before becoming Assistant Principal.   During his tenure at Halsey IS, Mr. Cecere was nominated three consecutive years for the New York Daily News’ Principal’s Pride of Music award. This award recognized Mr. Cecere’s ability to transform students with no familiarity with an instrument or music literacy into acknowledged performers.  Mr. Cecere holds a B.S. degree in Music Education from Pace University (piano and violin major), an MA in Music Education from Brooklyn College (piano major), a certificate in Administration and Supervision from City College of New York, Certifications in School Administration and Supervision, School District Administration, General Music, Orchestral Music, and a National Teacher’s Examiner’s License.  During 1994-95, Mr. Cecere served on the Papal Music Committee for the visit of Saint (then Pope) John Paul II.  In addition to teaching at Don Bosco Prep, Mr. Cecere maintains a private studio, teaching lessons to students of all ages.