“The Best of Both Worlds”
These Teachers Can Rock!
By Joe Smith
The Teacher Band, some are calling them, made a as good impression on the faculty during the staff baby shower for the Warrens. The band is comprised of SPED teacher David Neville and English teachers Lou Wallach and Zev Garfall.
Neville and Garfall had performed together before, both being members of a jazz band, the Basement Boys, and Wallach is part of a soul band called Mojo Slim. The baby shower, however, was the first time Wallach had played with Neville and Garfall. The next time the three joined forces was at a holiday party for the faculty before the winter break. They were joined by all members of the Basement Boys for that gig.
Garfall played the guitar while Wallach covered bass. Neville played both the alto sax and clarinet. When asked how the experience was playing with Wallach, Neville had to say that “he was an outstanding and accomplished guitarist.” Garfall agreed with Neville’s sentiment. Wallach said that he had a “blast” playing with Garfall and Neville.
Wallach has played guitar and bass since he was 12 years old. He played his first show at 16 years old. Neville started playing in the fourth grade but stopped for a period of years. Five years ago, however, he picked it back up. Garfall has been playing since 12th grade.
All of them agreed that while this was fun, they probably wouldn’t play for the faculty unless there was a special event. On the flip-side, when asked if they would play for the students, the consensus was yes. “It would be fun for the students get to see their teachers in a different context” Neville said. However Garfall thinks although it would be fun, their style of music would not click with every student.
When confronted with the idea of going full time Garfall turns it down. Neville, however, would consider it, but knows that it would be a very difficult life choice. “It takes a real star to make it full time,” he says.
Wallach, on the other hand, has been a full time musician. Looking back on it he says, “It’s way better to be a teacher and have music as a hobby. Then you can have the best of both worlds.” He goes on to say it was a fun and attractive lifestyle where you can make a lot of money.
Neville also recognizes that he has the best of both worlds. “A lot of great musicians wait tables during the days,” he says. But for these three, they can teach during the days, rock at night, and occasionally, they can bring their music to other teachers and students at SHS.
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