Teacher Bio

Mr. Patrick FitzGerald is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher at Tulip Grove & Woodmore Elementary Schools in Prince George's County Public Schools. Mr. FitzGerald began teaching instrumental music for PGCPS in 2006, and during this time taught at Bond Mill & Laurel Elementary Schools for 16 years, as well as shorter periods of time with Oaklands and Scotchtown Hills Elementary Schools, and with the CMIT Charter School.

Mr. FitzGerald grew up in Kensington Maryland, and is a graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Maryland, and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware.

Mr. FitzGerald began his studies of music in 4th grade as a clarinet player, but later moved to playing the tuba while in college at the University of Maryland. At UM, he performed with many ensembles, including the Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Pep Band. As part of these groups he performed numerous concerts, including performances at the White House, at the NCAA Basketball Tournament several times, (including at the 2002 Men's Basketball National Championship Game (GO TERPS!)), at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Presidential Inaugural Parade.

Before beginning his career teaching in Prince George's County Public Schools, Mr. FitzGerald worked as a Musical Instrument Repair Technician, and as the Instrument Manager for the University of Maryland Bands.

In addition to teaching, Mr. FitzGerald is currently an active musician, and can be regularly seen playing the tuba with the Prince George's Philharmonic Orchestra, the Category 5 Wind Ensemble, the Maryland Community Band, and the Trinity Chamber Orchestra.

For the record, Mr. FitzGerald does capitalize the G in his last name. (For the same reason you capitalize the D in McDonald's). He is not overly offended if people get it wrong though, (not all FitzGeralds do that), it can be confusing. :)