Norman Zogaib – Distinguished Educator

Norman Zogaib completed a 25 year tenure as the vocal music director at Hamburg High School in 2023 where he directed numerous choirs, produced 24 musicals and taught classes in music theory, music composition, voice and piano.

Under his direction, the Hamburg HS Concert Chorale performed extensively throughout the Northeast, including performances by invitation with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with Music Director JoAnn Falletta, and at the ACDA Eastern Division Conference (2010), as well as the NYSSMA Winter Conference (2000 and 2008). The chorale had the privilege of performing at Lincoln Center and nine appearances at Carnegie Hall, including a featured performance in the only Statewide Choral Festival sponsored by Carnegie Hall in 2003. From 2000-2014, the Hamburg HS Concert Chorale was awarded nine consecutive NYSSMA, Level 6, Gold with Distinction ratings and won best overall choir awards at National Choral Festivals in New York City and Toronto.

During his tenure, no fewer than 60 HHS students were selected to the NY All-State Choirs. He mentored dozens of students interested in pursuing careers in music, helping them earn acceptances and scholarships to the nation’s finest collegiate music programs. These alumni are now employed around the country in music education, performance, composition, therapy, business, church, musicology, production and theater.

An active clinician, Mr. Zogaib conducted over 30 all county, area all-state and other honor choirs and has given numerous professional development workshops on music education for teachers. He was the 2005 recipient of the Buffalo Philharmonic Award for Excellence in Choral Music Education.

Mr. Zogaib served as the President of NYACDA, the board of directors of ECMEA, Voice Chair and All State Chorus Chair for NYSSMA and the Eastern Division representative of the NAfME Choral Music Education Council.

Norm and his wife Renée are the proud parents of 6 children, all of whom attended HCSD, and 2 grandchildren. They currently reside in Central Florida where Norm has continued his career in education as a Middle School Dean of Students.