Superintendent Spotlight: Asher Morgenstern

Warwick Valley High School senior Asher Morgenstern is known for his active student life, from arts and academics to activities and, especially, music. He is band president, first-chair baritone saxophonist in honors wind ensemble and an integral part of both marching and jazz bands.

His musical journey began at age 5, when his parents enrolled him in piano lessons.

“My parents wanted me to have a strong baseline musical education, which I appreciate,” he said. “I think everyone should know something about music.”

It was seventh grade when Morgenstern expanded his musical pursuits by picking up the saxophone. His choice to play sax was inspired, in part, by his grandmother’s love for the instrument. Around the same time, he also began playing the guitar.

He has wide-ranging musical taste, but is particularly drawn to metal music, influenced by the intricate compositions and guitar work of bands like Dream Theater and their guitarist John Petrucci.

Morgenstern takes pride in his music growth, which is highlighted by his score of 90 on his audition for the New York State School Music Association evaluation.

“If you heard me playing four years ago, you might have thought, ‘Wow, this guy should put it down,’” he said. “I’ve definitely improved, and hopefully, in the next two, three, or four years, when I’m in college, I’ll be able to look back and think the same thing.”

Moving from Illinois to Warwick midway through eighth grade was challenging, but his involvement in the band significantly eased the transition. Asher attributes much of his development to teachers like Megan Shafer, who always encouraged him to push beyond his musical limits.

“Moving here was pretty hard,” he said. “You’re placed in a new school, and then three to six months later, you’re in high school. Not knowing many people made it tough, but I made friends quickly and things fell into place thanks to the band.”

He has advice for those facing a major life change.

“Embrace the change,” he said. “Once you accept that things will change, your life will improve.”

Outside of music, Morgenstern is a member of the high school’s Model UN team, where he recently took first place by representing Luxembourg in a debate on nuclear nonproliferation. He has also played rugby for many years, after it was introduced to him by his nanny from Bulgaria who played for a national team.

Morgenstern will attend Genesee College to study chemistry in the fall. He said he is eager to continue participating in rugby and the school’s jazz band. After graduation, he plans to pursue law school and ultimately become a patent attorney.

He expressed gratitude to his parents for instilling discipline and dedication in him from an early age.

“They pushed me at the start,” he said. “My mom and dad would sit me down and encourage me to practice piano, even when I really didn’t want to. It made all the difference.”