Award Is Music To The Ears Of This Beloved West Orange Teacher

WEST ORANGE, NJ — William Farley, a longtime music educator at West Orange High School, has earned a nod as the school’s “Teacher of the Year” for 2022-23.

The school’s new principal Oscar Guerrero was among those on hand for a surprise congratulations, which came earlier this month as the seasoned music director was conducting class (watch the video below).

According to a statement from the district, here’s why Farley captured the award this year:

“Dr. Farley has taught at West Orange High School for 22 years, where he has served as the Music Director for the Honors Chamber and Tenor/Bass choirs, Piano Lab Instructor, and General Music classes. Extracurricular activities include advisor and director of the Jubilee Choir (an auditioned group), and coach/advisor of the award-winning Boys Step Team. In 2021, he received his Doctorate Degree in Worship Studies from Liberty University, along with a Bachelor’s from Westminster Choir College and a Master’s at Montclair State University, both in Music Education.”

District administrators noted that in addition to the many students that have gone on to music education, several of Farley’s students have gone on to successful careers in music and theater. They include:

• Okieriete Onaodowan, who originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in “Hamilton,” starred in “Grey’s Anatomy,” and currently in “Station 19.”
• Warner Miller, a stage and screen actor who got his break in “American Gangsta,” “Luke Cage,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and currently on “Manifest.”
• James Gibbs, a renowned trumpeter, music producer, bandleader, and educator.
• Gabriella Rodriguez, WOHS singer and theater star who toured in the “Color Purple” nationally in 2019-20.
• Melody Ector, now a session keyboardist in the Los Angeles area.

In addition to Guerrero, Assistant Superintendent Hayden Moore, Fine Arts Supervisor Lou Quagliato, Director of Student Counseling/Services Cheryl Butler, assistant principals and deans, and students were on hand to thank Farley for his ongoing service to his community.

Farley will be retiring in June 2023, district administrators said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.