Paul West has filled several roles at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center and done them all well.
Paul West has filled several roles at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center and done them all well.
As a teaching assistant in the Matheny School, he was named paraprofessional of the year. He has worked as a recreation therapy assistant and a one-on-one aide.
Now, he’ll be doing what he loves most. He has been named the school’s new music teacher at the Matheny School, which is part of the Matheny Medical and Educational Center, a special hospital and educational facility here for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.
Mr. West has a master of fine arts degree from the California Institute of Arts in Los Angeles and an undergraduate degree in music theory/composition from Montclair State University. He was also part of a quartet nominated for a Grammy Award earlier this year in the “Best Classical Compendium” category for a recording of the music of esoteric composer Harry Partch.
“Teaching at Matheny is no different than composing music,” he said. “One needs to break down specific subject matters, analyze their most basic elements and reassemble the information in a relatable way.”