About Ms. Lacasse

Ms. Lacasse’s passion for music is only matched by her deep commitment to the students she serves. As the Band Director at Belmont High School in Belmont, Massachusetts, she creates a space where students discover the power of connection, creativity, and community. Allison believes wholeheartedly that every student deserves a place to express themselves freely, to grow, and to be seen not only as musicians, but as people. Her classroom is a place where artistry and humanity are equally valued; her students are held to high standards, but are also surrounded by warmth and understanding.

Beyond her work at Belmont High School, Allison is deeply engaged in the music education community. She proudly serves as the Honor Band Chairperson for the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) in Seattle, Washington, and as part of the operational staff for the American Band College (ABC) in Ashland, Oregon. Her dedication to connecting to the greater Boston community of youth musicians extends to the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, where she serves as Assistant Conductor for the Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble program. Allison joined the faculty as an assistant professor at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in the Fall of 2024, where she teaches Woodwind Pedagogy. Allison is also an active leader in various professional organizations, including her roles as Past Chairperson for the Northeastern District of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and Secretary for the Servant Leadership Association for Music (SLAM). Additionally, she is the founder and Artistic Director of the University of Rhode Island Summer Music Academy, where she brings together young musicians from Southern New England to learn, perform, and grow.

Allison’s educational journey reflects her unwavering dedication to both her craft and her students. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Performance from the University of Rhode Island, followed by a Master of Music in Music Education from the American Band College of Central Washington University. In recognition of her teaching, she was named a semifinalist for the 2017 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and was honored with the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Advocacy Award in 2018. In 2025, Allison was presented with the MMEA Lowell Mason Award.

Email: alacasse@belmontschools.net

About Mr. Goddu

Kevin Goddu is a Band Director and Music teacher at Belmont Middle High School in Belmont, Massachusetts. Mr. Goddu currently teaches the 7th and 8th grade concert band, music exploration, high school music production, high school guitar, the BMS Jazz Band and the BHS Jazz Band. In addition to his duties in Belmont, Kevin is the Assistant Director of Pep Bands for the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the Assistant Director of the Mary Jo Leahey Symphonic Band Camp at UMass Lowell, and works for the Office of Instrumental Music Outreach which provides music education for the Greater Merrimack Valley. 

Prior to his service in Belmont, he taught in Natick and Marblehead Massachusetts teaching a variety of band and music courses. Kevin holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he studied saxophone. 

Email: kgoddu@belmontschools.net