Seneca Valley High School’s newest music teacher, Mr. Gage, is tuning up for the academic year in a way you’ve probably never seen before. Gage has spent the last six years at Neelsville Middle School, and has taught in public schools for 8 years. Instead of a typical introductory email or slideshow, he’s created a head-banging, genre-bending music video to introduce himself to his students (video below).
This isn’t your average “hello.” The video, a masterclass in creativity and production, serves as a mission statement for the kind of energy and passion Mr. Gage is bringing to the classroom. The video begins with a lighthearted, almost “cringey” tune before dropping into a full-blown metal riff, complete with a powerful scream and shredding guitar solos. The message is clear: Mr. Gage takes music seriously, but he also knows how to make it fun.
For Mr. Gage, who has been teaching for almost 20 years, the video was an easy choice. Having used a similar approach during virtual learning, he knows the power of a creative introduction. “I found it to be a good way to show a little personality of who I am to the students,” he explains. He hopes this video will not only introduce him but also spark a sense of curiosity in his students. “Since music is such an integral part of who I am, I figured, ‘Well, why hide who I am?'”
The video’s production was a whirlwind of inspiration. From writing the song to playing multiple instrument, all of which he’s proficient in, and editing the final cut, the entire project took just three days. “When inspiration for something hits, it becomes an obsession to get it done,” he says. Mr. Gage believes in capturing the moment, trusting his creative instincts, and not second-guessing the process.
The video is filled with subtle details that music lovers will appreciate. One “Easter egg” in the video is a moment in the bridge where he plays a major scale while smiling and then a minor scale while frowning, a quick visual nod to the concepts he’ll teach in class. He hopes the video will serve as a launching pad for a year of exploration. “I wanted it to be an opportunity to show students the possibilities of what can be done,” he says. “One of my favorite things about teaching music is helping students discover that once they understand the concepts and theory, the creative process is completely theirs.”
Ultimately, Mr. Gage hopes the video shows his students that music is both a serious discipline and an outlet for fun. He wants them to learn the “why” behind the music—asking questions about harmonic language, structure, and instrumentation. It’s an approach that he hopes will spark a deeper appreciation for music. “I want to show versatility in my teaching style that anything they want to learn about in regards to music can absolutely be taught.”
Mr. Gage is excited to be part of the Seneca Valley community. He hopes his students will watch the video with an open mind and realize they have a passionate and dedicated teacher. “The students at Seneca Valley have no idea what’s coming, and I can’t wait to show them how we are going to get there.”
