Mr. Luce is a talented musician with over 30 years of experience in education. He has taught high school chorus, band, and music appreciation classes. He’s organized concerts, and performed at special events. He plays the trumpet and piano in a local band and as a pit orchestra musician for various theater productions. He brings strong experience and leadership to our program and will be a great complement to Mr. Ginter.

Currently teaches:

Band, Music theory, Music Appreciation

Background

• BA in Music and German at Bowdoin College. MA in German from Middlebury College.
• 30 years of teaching, including music, German and drama.
• Mr. Luce joined Rice in 2024
• He enjoys working with the drama program and accompanying students on piano.

Get to Know Him:

I enjoy teaching music because: Learning about and creating music are incredible wellness activities. In music classes, students can be themselves in a stress-free environment.

I choose to teach at Rice because: The focus on kindness, respect and trust is key to teaching and learning.

What is your favorite thing about your job? I enjoy watching students perform - whether on stage or in the pit orchestra for the musical, or in other performing ensembles. I love seeing the results of practice pay off and helping students be the best they can be.

If you had an unexpected afternoon off, what would you do with your time? On a nice day, biking on the Burlington bike path or cross-country skiing. On a stormy day, reading a book by the fire with a good cup of coffee.

Best vacation/trip you’ve ever been on: Hiking in the Italian Alps and eating the best tiramisu ever at a little Italian inn. 

Favorite tradition/fieldtrip/project you do in your classroom each school year: I enjoy teaching about the traditions of saints and holidays during the year, whether learning the St. Nicholas song in German or teaching a second-line riff for Mardi Gras.

Anything else you’d like to say? The sense of community at Rice is great and I appreciate the friendly interaction between students and staff.