The Sachem Central School District proudly honored two remarkable figures in its music legacy with the official dedication of the Samoset Middle School music room to Robert Gerstenberg and Christopher Macchio.
Gerstenberg, a beloved and longtime music educator in Sachem, helped shape generations of student musicians through his passion, leadership, and dedication to the arts. His legacy as a teacher and mentor continues to resonate across the district.
Joining him in this special honor is Macchio, Sachem High School Class of 1996, who has risen to national prominence as one of America’s great tenors. Macchio’s powerful voice has graced prestigious stages across the country, and he continues to inspire young musicians by sharing his extraordinary talent and representing Sachem with pride. He is also recognized as America’s Presidential Tenor, often performing at the White House and for President Trump.
The dedication ceremony celebrated their individual achievements and the enduring impact of music education in the Sachem community.
Gerstenberg, 85, attended the event via Zoom. He and Macchio spoke about their bond and the importance of the arts in schools.
Macchio was taught by Gerstenberg in this exact room in the 1990’s when the building was known as Sachem South, which was for ninth and tenth graders.
The event was organized by Chris R. Vaccaro ’04, president and founder of the Sachem Alumni Association.
“This dedication is a powerful reminder of what makes Sachem so special,” Vaccaro said. “We honor the legacy of Robert Gerstenberg and Christopher Macchio not only to celebrate their remarkable contributions to music, but to inspire the next generation of students to dream big, work hard, and pursue their passions. It’s about connecting our proud past to a bright future through the universal language of music.”
