Faculty Feature | Trevor Wheelock

Name: Trevor Wheelock
Current role & department: Music Faculty, Visual and Performing Arts Department
Started at Albany Academy: 2023
Alma mater(s) and area of study: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, BA in Performing Arts concentration in Music; Fitchburg State University, MEd in Educational Leadership (in progress!)

What inspired you to become a teacher?

"I was inspired to become a teacher by the incredible educators who shaped me along the way. My high school band director, Mrs. Atchley, was the first to show me what it means to teach with passion, commitment, and heart. She created a classroom where every student felt seen, encouraged, and valued. That sense of belonging left a lasting mark on me.

In college, my professor, Jeff Link, saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. He believed in my musicianship, hired me for professional gigs, and helped launch my career. Those experiences showed me the transformative power of a teacher who truly sees their students.

Music has always been woven into who I am, and teaching allows me to share that same gift with the next generation. For me, being an educator isn’t just a profession, it’s an honor, a privilege, and a way to pay forward the impact that others had on my life."

How do you engage students and encourage curiosity in your classroom?

"In my classroom, I strive to spark curiosity and creativity by giving students meaningful, hands-on musical experiences that connect both heart and mind. My teaching is rooted in a student-centered approach—one that empowers learners to explore, take risks, and discover their own artistic voice. 

I strive to create a classroom culture that celebrates diversity, nurtures excellence, and values every student’s unique contribution. When students feel heard, supported, and inspired, they engage more deeply — not just as musicians, but as thoughtful, expressive individuals.

I believe in the transformative power of music education to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and empower students to use their creativity to make a positive difference in their communities."

What is a fun or unexpected fact about you?

"A fun or unexpected fact about me is that in high school, I was accepted into a flight school program where I was training to be a pilot, so I actually have 20+ solo hours in a Cessna 152."

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

"If I wasn’t a teacher, I would likely be a cruise-ship musician, or working towards becoming a Broadway pit musician."

What is your favorite Albany Academy tradition?

"I love the many traditions that make the Academy such a special place. The rich history of this 200+ year old institution is one of the things that first drew me here. I joined the Academy at a pivotal moment in its story, and I’m excited to both honor and celebrate its long-standing traditions while also helping to shape new ones as our school continues to grow and evolve."

How do you see students growing or evolving during their time at Academy?

"I have the great fortune of being the only band director at the Academy, which means I get to see students begin their musical journey in 4th grade and grow with them all the way through high school — if they choose to continue playing. It’s incredibly special to witness that progression, to see their confidence and musicianship develop over the years, and to know I’ve played a part in fostering that growth."

What’s something you’re especially proud of in your career? 

"In just two years at Academy, I have grown the band program tremendously. When I started in 2023, the Upper School Band had five students in it. Faculty needed to support the group by playing with them. This year, US Band has 17 students. All of the Middle School bands are growing as well, with 57 members between the two bands. Currently between 3rd grade pre-band through the US Band, we have 122 students participating in the instrumental music program, which is approximately 20% of the student body."