We’re thrilled to introduce one of the newest faces joining the Salem High School family: Mr. Joseph Bray, who has stepped into the role of choral teacher in both the VPAA and Fine Arts Department. A graduate of the VPAA instrumental strand, Bray is excited to return to Salem with a broader enthusiasm for the arts. We sat down with Bray to learn more about his journey.
What do you teach and/or what is your role? Please include sports and club sponsorships.
My role is the fine arts choral teacher. I am also a VPAA Musicianship I and Vocal Techniques teacher. I am only here for first block because I also teach at Tallwood High School as a chorus teacher. At Tallwood, I am the International Thespian Society sponsor, Tri-M Honor Society sponsor, and the One Act Play Festival sponsor.
Where were you previously, and what brought you to Salem?
I am a Salem High and Visual and Performing Arts Academy graduate, so when the opportunity opened when Ms. German retired, I sent an email to academy coordinator Ms. Byrd and told her that I wanted the spot. It’s nice to be “home.”
What is your favorite thing about Salem so far?
So far, my favorite thing about Salem is the students. The students are really wonderful humans, and they are just excited to be here. They make my job really easy.
What inspired you to go into education (or work in a school)?
I am an educator because of Dr. Don Krudop, who was the choral director before Ms. Pinto. I always had the intention to go into education, but I was going to be an orchestra teacher. My primary instrument is cello, so that was my goal, but during my senior year in the VPAA, we had something called “class voice.” All of the instrumental kids had to learn how to sing. Dr. K said “Hey, you’re going to be in chorus next year,” and I said okay. The rest is history.
Share a fun fact about yourself (favorite music, hobbies, books).
I subbed in the pit for Wicked when it came to town, and I am a church musician. I partly grew up on a farm because my grandma lived in Surry, Virginia, and I love to crochet and do woodworking. I build a lot of furniture!
