Now, you may know his past (check out Part 1 here if you haven’t!). But do you know his present?
The dedication of Mr. Jacobetz continued to be a defining theme with his involvement at Tenafly. He bought his personal van only because he thought that it could help transport the large musical instruments and equipment to marching band shows. In fact, during band season, he dedicates so much time to the band that he sees his family minimally, the band being almost his second family.
His versatility—like how he could sing high and play low!—shows up in the classes he teaches. All of them are of a different variety, with their songs varying year by year. He also recognizes that each student has different amounts of knowledge regarding music, so he adapts his teaching method and content for each student on the go.
Being strictly focused on the present and the future, and less concerned about looking back, Jacobetz believes that the band program is becoming increasingly better. Still, his contributions and the band’s achievements are impressive nonetheless. The marching band had won States and Nationals in 2023, allowing them to move up from A class to Open Class, and 2nd at States this year.
Tenafly High School has recognized his efforts this school year, which is Jacobetz’s 20th year of teaching here. Jacobetz was named the Teacher of the Year, with a dedicated parking spot attached.
“The administration, as well as the two winners from the previous year, and HSA representatives [combing] through all of the student, teacher, and parent votes and write-ups to determine who is most deserving, [and then doing an ultimate] vote,” Mr. Nyfenger, last year’s Teacher of the Year, said.
The committee especially respected the amount of hard work Jacobetz and his students put in, particularly during their preparation for marching band. Being a very competitive sport and art, it calls for students and staff to train rigorously during the summer, much like the other fall sports. During that period, students engaged in not only mini-camps, but band camp, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Students and the staff not only try to perfect the show for winning a title, but mostly to try their best and entertain not only football game crowds, but those at MetLife and other places too. This year, registered in USBands and Bands of America circuits, the marching band competed at two more competitions than usual, snagging that shining trophy after getting second at states. Indeed, the band has been growing at record pace.
“Mr. Jacobetz'[s] investment in his classes, the marching band, and just the culture of music in general at Tenafly was undeniable,” the committee said.
Nyfenger is happy to pass on the mantle to Mr. Jacobetz, although not without bittersweetness regarding the parking spot. “It’s the gift that just kept on giving,” Nyfenger said.
As for the title, Jacobetz believes that “there are so many great teachers, and to be recognized among the great teachers at Tenafly High School is a huge honor.” Indeed, Mr. Jacobetz’s accomplished record at Tenafly marks yet another success among the storied victories of the school’s faculty.
