Mr. Michael Barbieri (wRMS)

Mr. Barbieri is a music teacher at the Westwood Regional Middle School, where he teaches band and choir to students in grades six through eight. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. With over a decade of experience teaching band, choir, and general music in public schools, Mr. Barbieri is dedicated to helping students develop their musical skills and confidence. His goal is to equip students with the tools to play instruments, sing, read music, and perform with pride. Mr. Barbieri strives to create a classroom environment where all students feel supported as they learn and grow through music. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, trail running in the woods, and reading a good book. Now entering his eighth year in the Westwood Regional School District, Mr. Barbieri is excited to continue sharing his passion for music with the students and community of Westwood Regional Middle School.

Mr. Alexander DouthaT (Berkeley & brookside)

Mr. Alex Douthat is excited to be returning to Westwood for his third year teaching Instrumental Music at Berkeley and Brookside elementary schools! Mr. Douthat holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Rutgers University, where he graduated in 2019. Before coming to Westwood, he worked as a music teacher in Franklin Township, and in Norwood. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Douthat is an active music educator and performing musician. He plays locally in musicals and parades, is the drummer for the Anna Felice band, and has been a performer on the NY Giants Drumline since their 2019 season. Mr. Douthat is also a drumline instructor with the Fair Lawn HS marching band, and with the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle corps from Connecticut. Mr. Douthat lives in Maywood, NJ with his fiancee Jackie and his dog Remo. When he’s not teaching or drumming, he enjoys gaming on his Switch and PS5, cooking (tacos are his favorite), and traveling to new places with friends and family.

Mr. Joseph V. Fritz (WRHS)

Joseph V. Fritz has been the Director of Choral Activities at Westwood Regional High School for over the last 10 years, where he has over a hundred students participating in his choral program. Fritz earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College and his Masters of Music from Columbia University, Teacher’s College. He is the Co-Creative Director of the Woodington Players, where is also the Vocal Music Director, Set Designer, and Stage Art Advisor. Mr. Fritz is also the Assistant Director for the Westwood Regional Marching Band and the advisor to the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Mr. Fritz was also chosen to conduct the 2024 Bergen County High School Honor Choir and has been nominated for multiple Metropolitan High School Theatre Awards, as well other music and theatrical honors and distinctions. 

Ms. Hannah Kim (GEORGE & WASHINGTON)

This is Ms. Kim's 3rd year teaching General Music at Washington and George Elementary School. She earned her B.A. in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music in 3 years and received her M.A in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. After working as a Teaching Artist for Carnegie Hall and Columbia University for 7 years, Ms. Kim taught General Music at Washington Elementary School in Wyckoff for 8 years. Then out of the blue, Ms. Kim moved to St. Johns County in Florida and taught music at Cunningham Creek Elementary School for 6 years. She is very happy to return to New Jersey where she hopes to finish out her teaching career. 

Mr. Michael Lipnick (GEORGE & WASHINGTON)

Mr. Lipnick is an Elementary Music Teacher at Washington and Jessie F George School, instructing 4th and 5th grade instrumental music, as well as 3rd grade recorders. Mr. Lipnick graduated from Virginia Tech where he studied Music Education as well as Music Technology/Production. GO HOKIES!!! Mr. Lipnick was the principal euphonium player of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble for 2 years at Virginia Tech. The ensemble has played at many prestigious locations including that of the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Mr. Lipnick also spent time working at the School of Rock in Chatham as an instructor and show director. Outside of teaching, Mr. Lipnick is a father of two beautiful children, Marley and Miles. He loves soccer, being outdoors with his family, and animals.

Ms. Bridget Maresca (BERKELEY & BROOKSIDE)

Bridget Maresca teaches K–5 General Music and directs the 4th and 5th Grade Choirs at Berkeley and Brookside Elementary Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with a concentration in classical voice from William Paterson University. From an early age, she has been immersed in choirs and theatre, which shaped her passion for performance and inspired her career in music education. In addition to teaching, Bridget has performed extensively as a classical and musical theatre vocalist and continues to share her love of singing through both solo and ensemble work. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a joyful, inclusive environment where students can explore music through singing, rhythm, and movement while making connections to other subjects and the world around them. She hopes to instill in her students a lifelong love and appreciation of music.

Mr. M. Daniel PeÑa (WRHS)

M. Daniel Peña is a high school band director and percussionist with a distinguished career dedicated to music education and performance. As the Director of Bands at Westwood Regional High School, he has built a highly respected program known for its exceptional quality and student achievement. Mr. Peña directs both the Concert Band and the audition-based, honors-level Wind Ensemble, leading these groups to consistently earn high ratings at music festivals and competitions. Under his direction, the bands have performed extensively both domestically and abroad, with performances in Austria and Italy, as well as at major festivals in Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Maryland, and California. Beyond the concert stage, Mr. Peña also developed and teaches the Music Production Class at Westwood High School, broadening students' musical skills and knowledge. A lifelong musician, Mr. Peña's expertise lies in percussion, his primary instrument. He has spent years performing with various bands and singer-songwriters throughout the tri-state area and continues to perform as a percussionist with local community bands. His commitment to music education extends beyond his school, having served as a guest conductor for the Bergen County Middle School Band (2006) and the Bergen County High School Band (2014), and as a Percussion Coordinator for both groups. Mr. Peña holds a Bachelor's Degree from Montclair State University and a Master's Degree from Boston University, providing a strong academic foundation for his extensive practical experience.

Mrs. Amy Peterson (WRMS)

Mrs. Amy Peterson teaches Instrumental Music at Westwood Regional Middle School. Mrs. Peterson started teaching in 2001 and has spent 23 of those years in the Westwood School District. She earned her Bachelor's in Music Education with a Concentration in Clarinet from Ithaca College and a Masters in Music Education from Montclair State University. Currently, she co-directs the 6, 7, and 8th Grade Concert Bands and assists Ms. Yoo with the 8th Grade Choir. Over the years she has taught elementary instrumental music at Berkeley and Brookside, as well as Instrumental music at the High School. In addition, Mrs. Peterson co-directs the Jazz Band and Chamber Ensemble at the Westwood Middle School. Mrs. Peterson believes in the power of music to bring communities together and to spark excitement in students of every age and ability.

Mrs. Jasmin Yoo (WRMS)

Ms. Jasmin Yoo is the Choir Director and General Music teacher at Westwood Regional Middle School. She also conducts the select choir, Cardinal Chorus, and is the Vocal Director for JPAC's Spring Musical. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, and her Master of Arts from Teachers College - Columbia University. For Ms. Yoo, teaching music is a lifelong passion rooted in the belief that music has the power to change lives!

Ms. Eileen NaGle (COLOR GUARD)