Popular Groton Middle School Band Director Retires

Craig Moody, the band director at Cutler Middle School retires this year after 35 years, directing his last concert at the school at 7 p.m. Thursday.

"He's really an amazing teacher," said Ben Bousquet, 13.

Moody began at Cutler as a student teacher in 1975, then took over as choral director a year later. He said he never imagined himself teaching chorus or band, and started as an engineering major at the University of Rhode Island as a college student.

Then he joined the college marching band and switched his major to music.

He directed the chorus at Cutler for 19 years, then took over as band director in 1995. Although he's retiring, he said he may stay involved with youth music. 

"I might even consider organizing a youth community jazz band," he said. "Something I don't think is out there right now."

Two other longtime teachers are also retiring from the school this year. Susan Chase-Hildebrand, a social studies teacher for 40 years, leaves at the end of this year. Chase-Hildebrand said she stayed at Cutler so long because she liked the staff and the students, it was close to her home, and "the stars just aligned" to keep her there. She said every year was different.

"I'm going to miss the students because I really enjoy interacting with this age group," she said. "Every day is different, because every day they're different."

Peter Simoncini, a media specialist retiring from the school after 14 years, said he'll also miss the kids.

"Just sharing the joy of reading," he said. "Library has evolved so much."