Sit down, folks, as the musical of Mr. Cuoco begins. He is tough, but that tough love is why his students succeed. From the first bell to the final bow, Mr. Cuoco conducts more than just music—he orchestrates growth. At Wilbraham Middle School, his classroom is a stage where discipline meets passion, and every note carries a lesson. He doesn’t just teach scales and rhythm; he teaches resilience, teamwork, and the courage to perform under pressure. Students may groan at his high standards, but they beam with pride when they hit that perfect harmony. And when concert night arrives, the applause isn’t just for the music—it’s for the maestro who believed in them all along.

He is our only band teacher who teaches the power of music. But he’s more than just a teacher—he’s the heartbeat of the arts at Wilbraham Middle School. Mr. Cuoco shows students that music isn’t just notes on a page; it’s a language of emotion, discipline, and connection. He helps shy kids find their voice through a trumpet solo, and restless minds discover focus in the rhythm of a snare drum. He has a very unique philosophy, which is this: “It’s good to have fun but fun to be good.” He also says he is “demanding but kind.” When students struggle, he doesn’t lower the bar—he lifts them up to reach it. His classroom is a sanctuary where effort is applauded, mistakes are part of the melody, and every rehearsal is a step toward confidence. He matters because he turns ordinary school days into symphonies of growth, grit, and pride. And when the band plays that final chord at the spring concert, it’s not just music—it’s a testament to the teacher who believed in every beat.

Mr. Cuoco is the Wilbraham Middle School band teacher, and he has big goals for his future. His big goal is being a “guest conductor at festivals.” But while he is at work, he strives to teach his kids the hardest he can. He pours everything into each lesson, not just to help his students grow—but because he’s committed to growing himself. Mr. Cuoco wants to be the best version of himself he can be, both as an educator and as a person. He studies new techniques, reflects on his teaching, and constantly pushes his own boundaries so he can better serve his students. His ambition isn’t about accolades—it’s about impact. He believes that when he improves, his students rise with him. And in that band room, filled with the hum of tuning instruments and the buzz of young energy, Mr. Cuoco leads by example, showing that greatness isn’t a destination—it’s a daily choice.

He is Wilbraham Middle School’s only band teacher and fills his role perfectly at school. He helps the school raise money for field trips and a better school experience by hosting concerts where parents and music enthusiasts can donate to the school. He is helping the school financially and lifting its spirits.

While he’s outside of school, he enjoys music and instruments. Mr. Cuoco isn’t just a teacher of music—he lives and breathes it. He’s curated a playlist of over 3,000 songs, spanning genres, decades, and cultures—a sonic library that fuels his creativity and keeps his passion alive. 

First, students already chew gum during tests. When we took a vote in our journalism class, 12 out of 19 people in the class said they have chewed gum during a test. According to Dr. Juliana Hall, sugar-free gum (the healthier option) can help you focus more than regular gum. Chewing gum can help reduce boredom, improve mood, and reduce hunger. Teachers care about our test scores, and this can help. If chewing gum can help students focus, reduce boredom, and increase test scores, then why can’t we chew it?

Second, gum helps us focus — just ask the experts! According to UltraViolet.com, a study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that chewing gum during a test-taking task improved performance by 10%. When I talked to 6th grader Aubrey B., she said, “When I chew gum during tests I focus better and get my work done quicker.” Most students say that gum helps them focus. For example, in past years in the younger grades, teachers let kids chew gum to help them focus during MCAS. So why allow it for one big test and not for others? According to NBC News, chewing gum can significantly increase alertness and keep students awake and focused during a test.

Last gum and stress go hand in hand. Chewing gum is associated with reduced stress and anxiety. Big tests can bring a lot of stress. “I felt like I did better on MCAS when we could chew gum because I felt a lot less stressed. Last year, when we could not chew gum, I was more stressed and worried about the test,” student Adriana Pafumi said. Some people feel stressed when they take tests, and gum is a simple way to help with that.

Teachers say that gum gets stuck under desks and that’s why we are not allowed to chew it. Others may say that gum could be distracting. And that may be true — but if teachers are supervising, they can simply ask students to spit it out if they’re not following the rules.

It’s time to help students focus and manage stress by allowing gum during tests. Talk to your teachers about chewing gum for your next test.