Local band teacher finds help in time of need

The local music community has vowed to help one of its own.

Friends of Mike Gangemi, a group that includes musicians, school music teachers, band students and parents, is working to help Gangemi, a local music educator, overcome his health problems.

Gangemi, 33, is morbidly obese and needs gastric bypass surgery. Although he works for several area school districts helping to direct their student bands, Gangemi does not have a college degree and therefore doesn’t qualify for health benefits. And with no health insurance, he can’t pay for the medical care he needs.

“In recent years people have noticed that Mike is not as healthy as he used to be,” said Samantha Blake, a teacher at Mesa Verde Middle School in Moorpark. “We started talking about what we can do to help him.”

Initially, friends wanted to help Gangemi earn his college degree so that he’d be eligible for employee benefits. But Blake said supporters realized that Gangemi’s health had to be addressed first.

Friends of Mike Gangemi formed last year to raise money for health insurance so that Gangemi could have the gastric surgery. A letter appealing for help raised about $525. A T-shirt was created featuring three figures holding hands, including one holding a trumpet that represents Gangemi. T-shirt sales have so far raised more than $1,000.

The proceeds of an upcoming annual basketball game between Westlake High School’s choir and band will be donated to Gangemi’s cause.

So far, enough money has been

aised to cover eight months of

nsurance at a premium of $325 a month.

Gangemi is the assistant music director for three concert bands,

wo jazz bands and a marching band at Westlake High School and

or a jazz band and marching band at Moorpark High School. He’s the

azz band director at Colina Middle School. His goal is to make sure

hat every student walks out of the classroom having learned some

hing, be it musical skills or life

essons discovered by being part of the team that is the band.

“These kids are the future and we’re contributing to what that fu

ure will look like,” Gangemi said.

In between teaching, Gangemi gives private trumpet lessons and uns the Lane 29 Big Band Orchesra, a community musical group hat donates performance income

o charity.

“Some people wish they had more than 24 hours a day,” Gangemi said. “I’ve found a way

o do it.”

Gangemi is completely dedicated to his students, added Blake, working long hours at three schools yet earning only a stipend because of his lack of a college degree.

“He does all of these things but his income is not what he’s worth,” Blake said.

Gangemi was overwhelmed by both the offer of assistance and the number of supporters that came forward. Although Gangemi is not one to easily accept help, Blake said he realized he was at a point where he needed it.

“This has been a lifelong problem. He’s tried to lose weight and has gone up and down, but there is something in his chemical makeup,” Blake said.

Gangemi is grateful for the support of the community.

“I’m beside myself,” Gangemi said. “I knew I had a lot of friends, but I had no idea there would be this kind of outpouring.”

He’s looking forward to having the surgery in the hopes that he’ll be able to do the activities that he can’t do now, such as joining his marching band during their warmup exercises.

“I want to do that with them,” Gangemi said. “It would be awesome.”

The WHS choir vs. basketball game benefit for Gangemi will be at 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 5 in the school’s gym. Tickets are $3 per person at the door.

To make a donation to Friends of Mike Gangemi, please send checks made out to Friends of Mike Gangemi, 2060 D Avenida de Los Arboles, #628, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. T-shirts can be purchased in the band rooms at Westlake and at Moorpark high schools for $20 each.

For more information, please contact Samantha Blake at sblake@mrpk.k12.ca.us.