Mr. Nathan Bachofsky is back at Chagrin as the part-time choir director. Previously, Bachofsky worked at Chagrin Schools for ten years until he left in 2022.
Bachofsky started working at Chagrin back in 2013 when he was a Gurney music teacher for five years, until he had the opportunity to transfer to the high school and middle school to teach choir and help with the musicals. Then, in, 2022 Bachofsky left for another opportunity.
As Bachofsky stated, “I left Chagrin Falls to work for an organization that does leadership and organizational development for companies. A relative of mine who works for the company noticed my ability to lead groups, navigate challenges, and motivate others and asked if I’d like to be part of their team.”
However, since Bachofsky is back, that doesn’t mean he only teaches now. With his job being part time, it is very adjustable for him. Bachofsky said, “I was encouraged to apply for my old job. Because it is part-time, it leaves some flexibility for me to pursue my other interests and passions. Right now, I teach at Chagrin in the morning and fill my afternoons and evenings with other musical and professional projects.”
Just because Bachofsky’s schedule is filled, doesn’t mean he isn’t an incredible choir teacher. Current choir student Stella Pace said, “Mr. Bachofsky does more student-based lesson planning based on what we as a group or just person needs to improve on and allows us to review things we may not be sure of.”
Many people feel this way about Bachofsky’s teaching style, even CFMS Principal Mrs. Laila Discenza. Discenza said, “Mr. Bachofsky is so student-centered. He puts his students’ passions and thoughts first, and the one thing that is maybe different from previous choir teachers is his remarkable feedback and his focus on students and their own exploration.”
Additionally, Bachofsky coming back doesn’t only affect people taking choir, it affects the school as a whole. Bachofsky knows many students from his time Gurney, so he doesn’t only know students in choir but most of the students in the school.
When talking with a former student of Bachofsky’s, eighth-grader Addison Sprenger, she said excitement on her face that Bachofsky “was my favorite teacher, I have the best memories from his music shows.” Many people love Bachofsky from his time at Gurney, and it is amazing how he already has a connection with Chagrin.
Current choir student Lauren McKenna said, “I love him as a choir teacher especially because since he knew us when we were younger, so we have more of a personal connection.”
Even though former students many not remember all the details of their time with Mr. Bachofsky at Gurney, everything they do remember is a amazing reflection on him. Former student of Bachofsky eighth grader Max Beatty said, “Even though I haven’t had him since I was 5, I know how much I loved his class.”
