About

About Frank Hehnly, Clark Township, and the Music Department
The Clark Township School District is proud to offer a vibrant music program that supports students from their earliest years of learning throughout high school. At Frank Hehnly and Clark Elementary Schools, students explore rhythm, melody, singing, instruments, movement, and creative expression. In addition to general music classes, opportunities include choir, band, and school and community performances that bring us closer together through the power of music.

About the Teacher
Hi! My name is Mr. Ticas, and I am thrilled to begin my second-year teaching at Frank K. Hehnly elementary school and the Clark Public School District. I earned my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Kean University and am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Music Education at Montclair State University. As both a pianist and educator, I am passionate about sharing the joy of music and helping students grow both musically and personally.

Philosophy of Music Education & Pedagogy

I feel that every child is inherently musical and learns best through active, creative experiences. Inspired by the Orff-Schulwerk approach, my teaching focuses on imitation, exploration, improvisation, and composition. In this approach, students learn music by actively doing—singing, speaking, moving, and playing instruments. It's a really interesting topic, and there are more philosophies of music education that support but also challenge our notion of thought regarding music teaching and learning in the public school setting. You could find more info about this approach here 

Professional Affiliations

• National Association for Music Education (NAfME)

• International Society for Music Education (ISME) 

• American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) - Northern New Jersey Chapter

Music Education Conferences Attended and/or Presented

• International Society for Music Education World Conference (2026)... Montreal, Canada

• Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium XVI (2025)... Tampa, Florida

• New Jersey Music Educators Association (2023, 2024, 2025)... Atlantic City, NJ