Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5th-9th) reminds us to celebrate educators who do more than teach subjects- they shape lives. While Hauppauge is filled with wonderful teachers, one of the teachers that have made an impact in my life is Leanne Contino. Mrs. Contino stands out-not just for her musical chops but for turning her classroom into a space where students actually want to show up.
Who is Leeanne Contino?
Mrs. Contino is one of the music teachers here at Hauppauge High School, where she has worked for the past 6 years. She teaches the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and directs the Vocal Jazz Club, all while offering private voice lessons to the community outside of school- a passion she’s nurtured since college.
Her path to teaching wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from Ithaca College with degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, she initially took a one-year leave replacement position teaching elementary schoolers in Central Islip. Wanting to further develop her craft, she pursued a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College before ultimately joining Hauppauge’s faculty.
Music has always been part of Contino’s life. Growing up with a mother who was a high school music teacher, she recalls waking up to the sounds of piano and vocals filling the house. By her senior year of high school, she knew music was her calling. “There was nothing else I would want to do,” she remarks of her decision to pursue music professionally.
The Contino Method
When you walk into her classroom, you’ll see future music and film majors beside STEM-bound students- all united by the work ethic and camaraderie she cultivates. Contino’s teaching revolves around a simple but powerful idea: great music emerges from strong relationships. Her three pillars- collaboration, contribution, and ownership- create choirs where students push each other to excel.
- Collaboration: Students don’t just receive feedback from the director, but actively engage with each other’s voices. Contino frequently has sections work together, training them to listen critically and adjust their sound and vibe as an ensemble.
- Contribution: Contino encourages every voice and perspective to be heard. Students regularly reflect on their progress and share perspectives about the music. But it’s not just about opinions- it’s about showing up.
- Ownership: Contino stresses that consistent commitment forms the foundation. Whether leading warmups, mentoring a section, or simply arriving prepared, everyone has responsibilities that make the choir thrive.
While musical excellence matters, Contino believes it’s the byproduct of this foundation. “The music almost comes second,” she admits. “Without these pillars, we might hit the right notes- but we won’t make meaningful art.”
Lasting Impact
For me, Contino has made a profound impact on me. Though I’ve always loved music and singing, it was stumbling into her Vocal Jazz club freshman year that ignited my real growth- her energy made me want to keep coming back. I felt compelled to join the Choir for the first time. Now that I am in her Chamber Choir class, I thrive under her mentorship. She doesn’t just teach notes; she creates a space where students feel empowered to take risks.
What stands out is how she nurtures the whole musician. When she found out I played piano, she immediately found ways to incorporate it into class. Under her guidance, I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had- both as a vocalist and accompanist. But more than the musical progress, it’s the culture she builds that matters. Hers is the rare classroom where you’re excited to walk in, because you know you’ll leave better than you arrived.
At the end of the day, Contino’s choirs win awards- but what sticks with students isn’t trophies. It’s the stuff that translates outside the choir room: how to work hard, rely on others, and show up prepared. And for a high school teacher, that’s the real win.
