New behind the baton: an Old Hammondtown music teacher

MATTAPOISETT — As the Old Hammondtown School Band takes the stage at the Veteran’s Day ceremony on Monday, there will be a new conductor behind the baton, guiding the kids: the school’s new instrumental music teacher Christian Dow.

Though he has only been there a few months, Dow called his year so far “great,” and commended the “fantastic community, caring, dedicated kids and supportive parents.”

Prior to teaching at Old Hammondtown, Dow got his master’s in music in Manchester, England.

He attended Duxbury High School, and wanted to teach early on.

“I decided to be a music teacher when I was a freshman in high school. I had a solid music program at Duxbury High School and I was inspired by my music teachers,” Dow said.  

He has mostly played brass instruments: the trombone, tuba and euphonium, which is similar to a tuba.

At school, Dow is responsible for leading the beginner band, concert band and jazz band, as well as teaching group lessons to anywhere from three to seven students.

One challenge in leading so many ensembles is picking music for all of them. Dow says he tries to find a balance and pieces that are “a good challenge, but not too difficult. I also want something they will enjoy and parents will enjoy, and something that’s seasonally appropriate.”

When not at work, he lends his brass skills to the Metropolitan Wind Symphony. He also likes to stay active, and played soccer, rowed and ran track in high school and played club soccer in college.

“I have always enjoyed sports throughout my life. Playing sports was always a great physical release and break away from school work and music activities. I have always wanted to be a well-rounded person in addition to loving music.

Dow says that the upcoming Veteran’s Day concert,  at 11 a.m. in the Old Hammondtown Cafeteria, “should be great. These are songs kids are familiar with, but it’s fun to be the one presenting the songs rather than listening.”

The bands also have another Christmas concert on Dec. 11 at 6:30 PM, also in the Old Hammondtown School Cafeteria.