School in the Square News
Beyond the Sheet Music: Getting to Know Mr. Moreno
January 28, 2026
A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Music Performance, Mr. Giancarlo Moreno brings his professional artistry to our students every day at School in the Square High. As the high school's music teacher, Mr. Moreno plans lessons, teaches students how to read music and play instruments, and provides feedback so students can improve their skills.
Mr. Moreno recently chaperoned an incredible opportunity for a few of our 9th graders: a visit to SoundCloud headquarters, the popular global music platform. During the trip, students met with professionals across a wide range of fields—from law and operations to marketing, and even the CEO. Each person shared their unique career trajectory, showing our students that while paths may look very different, people can still come together to work toward one mission and goal.
You can currently see highlights from this trip on display in the high school lobby photo gallery.
We caught up with Mr. Moreno to learn more about his work, his hobbies, and his advice for our community:
What’s one thing about your role that most people may not realize?
I have to practice and warm up a good amount everyday to keep my hands and skills up to play and model for students. The majority of my students are playing music, specifically guitar right now, so I have to make sure I can handle that much playing everyday. This also turns into my time to decompress and almost like meditate and reset.
What’s one of your favorite memories/moments at School in the Square?
Recently I really enjoyed the ice skating trip we did as a school in December. It was great to see students doing a fun activity all together. Also, I had never really ice skated before so it was also fun to try something new, learn from students and experience something as a community.
What advice do you want to share with our students?
Small goals make big changes. Doing those “little things” everyday or consistently will truly make big differences later on.
What do you love about working at your campus?
I love working in a school where teachers can share their opinions and ideas freely and make real differences in a school. That is a rare opportunity that does not happen everywhere.
What’s an interest, skill or hobby you pursue outside of school?
I really enjoy cooking and cooking for my partner. We moved recently into a new apartment and have been trying to host dinners for our friends and family. We even cooked for 12 people for Thanksgiving in our studio apartment!
We caught up with Mr. Moreno to learn more about his work, his hobbies, and his advice for our community:
What’s one thing about your role that most people may not realize?
I have to practice and warm up a good amount everyday to keep my hands and skills up to play and model for students. The majority of my students are playing music, specifically guitar right now, so I have to make sure I can handle that much playing everyday. This also turns into my time to decompress and almost like meditate and reset.
What’s one of your favorite memories/moments at School in the Square?
Recently I really enjoyed the ice skating trip we did as a school in December. It was great to see students doing a fun activity all together. Also, I had never really ice skated before so it was also fun to try something new, learn from students and experience something as a community.
What advice do you want to share with our students?
Small goals make big changes. Doing those “little things” everyday or consistently will truly make big differences later on.
What do you love about working at your campus?
I love working in a school where teachers can share their opinions and ideas freely and make real differences in a school. That is a rare opportunity that does not happen everywhere.
What’s an interest, skill or hobby you pursue outside of school?
I really enjoy cooking and cooking for my partner. We moved recently into a new apartment and have been trying to host dinners for our friends and family. We even cooked for 12 people for Thanksgiving in our studio apartment!
