Thursday, October 1, 2026
Scott J. Dunn of Baldwin High School has been named a “Distinguished Teacher of 2012” by the Harvard Club of Long Island. One of a dozen teachers from across Long Island to receive this award, Dunn will be honored at the Harvard Club’s annual University Relations Lunch on March 31.
Dunn has taught Music at Baldwin High School for five years and previously spent four years as Associate Director of Bands in the Herricks School District, having graduated from Herricks High School. At Baldwin High School he directs the Wind Symphony (the honors level band,) Chamber Winds (a smaller, slightly more elite variation of the Wind Symphony,) and the Jazz Ensemble. This year he is also contributing to the Symphony Band and Concert Band. Students in these groups receive academic credit for daily classroom instruction and weekly individual instruction. Dunn also directs extracurricular music groups, Chamber Winds and Jazz Band, which meet weekly after school.
A former student, Eric Zuckerman, who is now a freshman at Harvard College, nominated Dunn for the award. “[Mr. Dunn] is largely responsible for the intense role that music plays in my life today,” Zuckerman said. “He changed the way I listen to and perform music. With his help and encouragement, I found my true potential and had one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
When Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Mapes, learned of Dunn’s award, he commented, “As a musician specializing in teaching, Mr. Scott Dunn excels at communicating to his students from the podium. His commitment to excellence serves to maintain the very high quality music programs in the Baldwin public schools. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or earning level six Gold with Distinction honors from NYSSMA,” Dr. Mapes said, “Mr. Dunn's students reflect his high standards and share his passion for music.”
