LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Joseph Advento was nominated by the parents of students from St. Rose of Lima Catholic School 

Mr. Advento is a fundamental and irreplaceable member of the SRL School and Parish. He wears many hats in the SRL community such as music teacher, Information Technology, Tech Team, Glee Director, and Music Director. Mr. Advento’s passion is music. He has been the Music Director for the SRL Parish for 16 years and the Music teacher for seven years. He teaches students in kindergarten through eighth grade in music theory, basics, instruments, and composition. Mr. Advento puts a lot of thought, effort, and heart into creating a curriculum suited best for each grade level with the intent of getting his students to love music, or at the very least, have an appreciation for it. He’s constantly shifting his approach to teaching, and includes things like technology and karaoke so that his students are always engaged, and never bored.   

Something you should know about Mr. Advento is that he doesn’t settle for the status quo. His mind is always thinking, and he is always pushing for more. During his time with SRL, he started a weekly Music Club, where he teaches students how to play instruments such as the ukulele, guitar, and cajon after school. He utilizes the Music Club musicians in school masses and weekly school assemblies so that students can display their talents and skills. One of the most notable contributions Mr. Advento has given SRL is his Glee Club program, which he started 7 years ago.  The SRL Glee Club program, also known as Glee, was created by Mr. Advento out of his passion for music and was funded from his own pockets. 

The SRL Glee Club program of today is a year-long, extracurricular program for 4th through 8th grade students that is supported solely by Mr. Advento and committed Glee parents. It does not receive financial support from the school, and all activities are either paid for through fundraising efforts of the Glee Parent Committee or by Glee parents directly. Mr. Advento is extremely passionate about his Glee program! He holds two practices per week after school and schedules performances in public arenas, where Glee can showcase and practice their vocals, acting, and stage presence. This year, he even implemented a yearlong Jr. Glee program for 2nd and 3rd graders, who practice once a week after school.  He also produces an annual Advent-Christmas Program for the school and an annual end-of-the-year Glee Finale Show.  The Glee Finale Show is quite advanced for an elementary/middle school production and is made possible because of Mr. Advento’s drive, dedication, and teamwork. Parent involvement in Glee is vital to its operation and success, but it’s because of Mr. Advento that parents are so invested in its success.  

"We wholeheartedly believe that Mr. Advento exemplifies the attributes of a LifeChanger," the parents said. "He has demonstrated leadership within his school and district in many ways. It has been stated that Mr. Advento designed, implemented, and funded a Glee/fine arts program on his own, but what hasn’t been said is that this program has significantly changed the demand for a SRL education."

Families have transferred from other schools to SRL because of Mr. Advento’s reputation and Glee program. The school is in better financial condition because of his work. Mr. Advento is a leader who is well respected amongst his peers. He has built a strong reputation within the community, because of his ability to guide and direct the musical talents of his students and produce amazing results. He is often sought after to lead Diocesan-wide events, as well as FIAT Consortium events.

Mr. Advento makes positive additions to the development of the school’s atmosphere. Since he became a teacher at the school, he has transformed the school’s atmosphere through his musical talents. He encourages students to participate in the Parish's choir or the school's Glee program, helping build community, and encouraging students to discover and polish their musical talents. He has established two programs that have become the focal points to the schools’ weekly assembly, as it begins with his Music Clubs’ playing of the National Anthem and school virtues, while Glee members lead the school in singing. For most other school events, his Glee program performs to enhance the experience, whether for only the student body, parents, or the entire school community. 

As a result of Mr. Advento's passion and dedication to his school and its Glee program, his school has been recognized and invited to sing at many venues. He also has a record of excellent performance at the professional level. He has high expectations and standards, and pushes kids to bring out the best in them, which results in performances that have earned them recognition and won competitions.

Mr. Advento’s Glee Club is the only local parochial group that performs in public against public school groups. The SRL Glee Club has participated in local events, and competed and won regional contests, including: City of Chula Vista Starlight Parade – Best Use of Lights award (2016), City of Chula Vista Starlight Parade – Best Representation of Holiday Theme award (2016), Forum Festival of Music competition in Anaheim – 1st place in the Middle School Division Show Choir (2017), Forum Festival of Music competition in Anaheim – 1st place in Elementary School Division Show Choir (2017), Forum Festival of Music competition in Anaheim – 2nd place in Mixed Choir Choral (2017) and Forum Festival of Music competition in Anaheim – 1st place Overall Performance (Esprit de Corps award) (2017).

"We can say with confidence that Mr. Advento holds high ethical and moral standards for himself and others," the parents said. "Beyond anything he could say, it is through his example of commitment, passion, dedication, and kindheartedness that Mr. Advento's big heart and light shines through. In addition, he ensures that his extracurricular clubs do not interfere with a student’s academics and believes that academics come first.  In fact, many junior high Glee students are high academic achievers, and several are Honor Roll students.  Mr. Advento begins and ends every practice with a prayer and maintains a structured environment where students learn and understand the values of dedication and hard work, and are rewarded for their efforts."

Mr. Advento has a commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere. He has taken it upon himself to create a nurturing atmosphere where students respect each other and learn to encourage their peers. To promote acceptance and spread an anti-bullying message, he made the theme of the 2017 Glee Finale Show “Don’t Stop Believing,” and chose songs with positive messages. In his clubs, he creates a healthy environment where students can become more responsible, confident, social, and skilled. He gives his older students an opportunity to mentor the younger ones, while supervising and ensuring that it is done in a positive manner. In situations where there has been conflict, he has always taken the time to listen to all students and guides them through the process of moving forward, all within a respectful, loving, and graceful atmosphere. He is approachable and responds to all of his students’ needs. Mr. Advento’s students demonstrate leadership qualities inside and outside his clubs because of the atmosphere that he creates. They will most definitely be equipped for success later in life.

Mr. Advento has a proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of his students. Mr. Advento has the gift of recognizing the unique talents of his students and finds ways to highlight and foster them. He encourages kids and builds their confidence through his belief in them and by surrounding them with opportunities to shine. This, in turn, builds the students’ confidence. The kids know how much Mr. Advento believes in them and it pushes them to go farther and try harder. They strive to make him proud. The parents of St. Rose of Lima Catholic School support Mr. Advento's nomination. Here are a few quotes from some of the Glee parents:

“Mr. Advento believes in every student and strives to ensure that each student reaches their potential. He dreams for the students and makes those dreams a reality.”

“He’s amazing! I used to be a coach and know a good coach when I see one. He’s very patient; lovable. He does more than anyone else does – and I don’t know how he does it!  Our kids and parents are very blessed to have Mr. Advento!  He’s very supportive and helps out in any way he can (even beyond the Glee curriculum).”

“He has been an integral part in the academic, spiritual, and musical development of many children, including my own. I am a mother of girls, and through music and faith he has helped strengthen their confidence and self-esteem. His music has helped shape and nurture the way we worship in mass as well. His humility and commitment to service is admirable.”

“He’s also a dedicated family man to his three children, juggling his commitments so he can pick his kids up from school and take them to karate.  He’s passionate about music and dedicated to his students and family.  He’s a great asset to St. Rose.  He truly wants to make a difference in the lives of others, especially his students, who give him the greatest joy to do what he loves to do the most – teach music.”

"In closing, we’d like to say that Mr. Advento is more than a teacher to his students; more than a music instructor to his Music Club members; and more than the Glee Director to his Glee Club performers. He is a role model, mentor, source of inspiration, driving force, and, to most, he’s like family. He greets everyone with a warm smile and hug; and loves and encourages his students as if they were his own. In Mr. Advento’s own words, 'I learn from them as much as they learn from me. Their accomplishments are my accomplishments.'”