VIDEO: Scholarship Started in Honor of Longtime St. Francis Prep Music Teacher
FRESH MEADOWS — Robert Corbino steps in front of the concert band ensemble and the room falls into place. His voice cuts through the auditorium at St. Francis Prep the same way it has for more than half a century.
“I’m in year 51 here, and I thank God that I, I’m able to do it, you know, and I, I love doing it with the kids,” Corbino said.
The students call him Doc — his job is to help them find their sound and their best selves. The music draws them in, but it’s the discipline that keeps them coming back.
“He’s strict, but his goal is to just make you the best player that he possibly can,” said senior saxophone player Daniella Fajardo. “He knows everyone’s true potential, so he tries his best to make everyone shine.”
“Doc is a very passionate person,” said senior multi-instrumentalist Stamati Petratos. “He truly holds everyone to a very high, you know, standard.”
Now, several former students have started the Dr. Robert Corbino Music Scholarship Fund — giving the gift of learning from Doc to prospective Prep students. First chair trumpet player Chris Nandkishur still remembers what meeting him for the first time was like.
“I sat behind on the chairs and all I see is this big old guy with white hair yelling at 100 students,” Nandkishur said. “And all of a sudden and I was hooked. The key is really to try to get to know who you’re learning from. It pushes us to be better than better,” he said.
Just like the time and rhythm of a measure — Doc’s teaching style is relentless.
“If I don’t hold still or go down, it’s a success. I just try to get a little bit better every day,” Corbino said.
He’s conducted generations of students into tune, Doc’s time at Prep has been defined by the notes — not the rests.