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Madison Metropolitan School District

Whitehorse Band and Music Teacher Named Outstanding Educator

Whitehorse Band and Music Teacher Named Outstanding Educator

If you’ve ever tried to play a musical instrument, it can be confusing and challenging to learn how to make the right sounds. For students at Whitehorse Middle School, though, band and music teacher Carmelo Sáez III (called Mr. Melo) makes it fun and inviting to learn. Sáez’s positive impact in the classroom earned him the recognition of being named an Outstanding Educator by Wisconsin Education Association (WEA) Member Benefits in partnership with UW-Madison Athletics. 

Whitehorse band students and staff, along with WEA and Wisconsin athletics staff, surprised Sáez with the award on September 24. 

“I always thought that what I did was under the radar, behind the scenes,” Sáez said, expressing how caught off guard he was to earn this recognition. “Music is universal and I find it can connect all of us in one way or another.”

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, including the past eight years at MMSD, Sáez grew up in the South Bronx, NYC. As a youth, he played in a drum and bugle corp, where he developed a love of music. Sáez graduated from the Herbert H. Lehman College in New York (part of the City University of New York) and received his teaching credentials from UW-Whitewater. He has taught adult education, math and music, including at the college level.

“Music kept me away from a lot of the craziness,” Sáez said, referring to his teenage years. “Through music, I have been able to meet and work with some pretty famous and impressive people, and gain experiences that I am able to share with my students.”

He uses music to help create safe and inviting spaces for middle schoolers. On the first day of school, Sáez set up a DJ “booth” outside, playing popular songs to get students excited for a new year. In the classroom, he selects music he thinks students will connect with to foster a love of learning and discover their own potential. Some of his favorite songs that he’s taught to students include “Do Re Mi” from the “Sound of Music” and “Oye Como Va” from Tito Puente.

“My favorite memories are when my students are ready to perform,” he said. “The excitement in their faces is indescribable. Most students are really harsh on themselves until they realize how talented they really are.”

Sáez “has championed several firsts for Whitehorse Middle School, including creating a national podcast and starting the school’s first musical production and pep band,” WEA Member Benefits shared.

As part of this recognition, Sáez will take the field at the Badgers' football game on October 5, where he will be celebrated for his achievements.

Carmelo Sáez III with Bucky Badger and other staff.

Photo source: WEA Member Benefits