This school year has seen plenty of new faces join the halls of Mount Carmel. One such face is Mr. Corey Gallai who has taken on the role of band and choir director. 

Gallai is from the Chicagoland area and attended Stagg High School.  He than  attended Moraine Valley Community College where he received an associate in science degree. Afterwards he  attended Northeastern Illinois University earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. 

Prior to joining the faculty this year Gallai was working at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge. There he had been the long term orchestra teacher and instructional aide. A Facebook post shared by one of his former professors alerted him to the opening Mount Carmel. 

Gallai has been passionate about music for a long time.

“I started playing piano in third grade, the trumpet in fifth grade and in sixth grade I switched to percussion. I also like playing the drum set, marimba and timpani.”

His passion for teaching also started at a young age.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. My inspiration for becoming a band teacher came from my middle school band director.” 

In terms of this year and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis  Mr.Gallai is hopeful.

“I am hoping to have some some virtual concerts this year and maybe and maybe an in-person concert in the spring.” He also believes that last school year’s canceled play, Ragtime, could still happen. 

Gallai is joining MC during a very turbulent time, but it seems like the band and choir are in  good hands with him at the helm.