Musketeer Monday Part One: Jerry Ryan

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: I have been a member of the Central Islip High School Instrumental Music Department since January 2000. During that time, I have taught all three levels of band: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and now Wind Ensemble. My role has extended far beyond the traditional ensemble setting. I have directed the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Pit Orchestra, and I founded the Guitar Program in 2001—an initiative I’m proud to see continued today, providing meaningful musical experiences for students who are not in band.

Beyond music, I’ve also coached JV and Varsity Girls Softball for five years and remain active in union leadership, having served as a Building Representative and now as a Committee Member for the Central Islip Teachers Association (C.I.T.A.).

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: I have been teaching band at Central Islip High School for 26 years, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: My biggest influences were my parents. When I was ten, my parents divorced, and my mom, sister, and I moved in with my grandparents. Every day, my mother would come home with heartfelt stories from her kindergarten classroom. They weren’t always funny or extraordinary, but they were always real, and I could see how deeply she cared for her students. My father was the same way in his classroom.

As I grew older, I realized I wanted a career I would look forward to every day. I’ve never been driven by money, but by quality of life. Watching my parents’ passion for teaching—and the lasting impact they had—showed me what that could look like. My father turns 80 this month, and half the town still calls him “Mr. Ryan.” His words have always stayed with me: “Being an educator is the career that keeps giving back.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: What I enjoy most is the incredible support from administration, staff, parents, and most importantly, our students. I know many educators who struggle to have their ideas heard, but here I’ve always felt valued and supported. That collaboration and trust make Central Islip High School a special place to teach.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Teaching the incredible young musicians I see every day. They aren’t afraid to fail, they trust each other, and their determination pushes me to be better. Watching the program grow over 26 years into the powerhouse it is today has been one of my greatest joys.

Through all that growth, one thing has never changed—the heart and drive of every student who walks through the band room doors. My newest joy is teaching the children of former students. Seeing those familiar little versions of their parents looking back at me is déjà vu in the best possible way.

Q: What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: Some of my most memorable moments have been both uplifting and challenging. As a brand-new teacher in 2001, I vividly remember standing in front of 95 students when Principal John Smith announced that a plane had struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In that moment, I realized my job was about far more than teaching music. I had 95 pairs of eyes looking to me for reassurance.

At just 22 years old, managing my own emotions while helping students process something none of us fully understood was terrifying. But it became a defining moment in my career, teaching me that education goes far beyond the curriculum.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: Without question, Steve Muller. We worked side by side for 24 years, setting five-, ten-, fifteen-, and twenty-year goals—and we achieved them all. He is a master musician and an incredible educator. I’m fortunate to have spent so many years learning and growing alongside him. Though he is now retired, he remains a beloved part of our Central Islip Band family and continues to announce our halftime shows at football games.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: Holiday caroling around the district. It’s easily the longest day of the year—I logged 23,000 steps this past year—but it’s also the most rewarding. Seeing the smiles and feeling the love from everyone we play for makes every step worth it. I wouldn’t trade that tradition for anything.

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: When I was 10, I moved with my grandparents to Cutchogue on the North Fork of Long Island. I attended Mattituck High School, earned my bachelor’s degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and later completed my master’s degree at Five Towns College with a concentration in Jazz/Commercial Music Composition.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them.
A: I recently started reading the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and am currently on my fourth book. I’m a slow reader, but I love the accomplishment of finishing each one.

My all-time favorite movie is Jaws. I love the water and, oddly enough, I’m drawn to things that scare me. It also features one of John Williams’ greatest scores.

On television, I really enjoyed Yellowstone. I’ve always been fascinated by ranch life—working the land, living simply, but still enjoying modern comforts. I think I could pull off a cowboy hat, but I’m not sure I could ever leave the ocean behind.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: “Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether you want to do it or not.” It’s not my quote, but it’s the one that keeps my ADHD brain on task.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I still play my horn and perform in a club/date band across Long Island with the same musicians I’ve played with since college. I also enjoy playing guitar and guest conducting honor groups across New York State whenever I can. Working with talented young musicians pushes me to stay sharp and creative.

Outside of music, I coach my son’s Little League team, enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking, and spend as much time near the ocean as possible. Most importantly, I treasure time with my wife, Kasey, and our son, Declan. Being a good husband and father is the most important role in my life.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: My mom. We lost her seven years ago after a ten-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I would give anything for her to see the life and career she helped shape for me. There’s no doubt she would have absolutely adored my son.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: If I weren’t an educator, I’d probably be a bit lost. If I had to choose another path, I could see myself as a deep-woods logger, joining Sea-Tow to help stranded boaters, or even earning a Merchant Mariner’s license through SUNY Maritime. But truthfully, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: Visiting Austria. Ever since I first saw The Sound of Music as a child, I’ve been in awe of its green hills, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful landscapes. The birthplace of Mozart, combined with stunning scenery, feels like the perfect blend of everything I love—music, nature, and adventure.