Hitrick named a 2025 Yamaha ‘40 Under 40’ music educator

Alex Hitrick, a music teacher and chorus director at Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High School, has been named a “40 Under 40” music educator by Yamaha, the world’s top manufacturer of musical instruments. The “40 Under 40” program recognizes young music educators from across the United States who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication, and have inspired their students from kindergarten through college.

A 2016 B-P graduate, Hitrick returned to his alma mater as a teacher in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. His first concert was edited on a computer. Since then, membership in B-P’s junior high chorus has nearly tripled to 56 singers, and participation in the senior high chorus has increased from 12 to 70 students. He has also added new courses, advanced performing groups, and a student cover band that performs live at venues throughout the community.

One of the standout moments in Hitrick’s career came this past school year when his students entered a once-in-a-lifetime contest to perform with the legendary rock band Foreigner. The competition was for a chance to sing the number-one hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” alongside the band at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

“As a class, we arranged the harmonies of the song and submitted a video of our performance,” Hitrick said. “It was an electric moment seeing them sing their hearts out on stage with Foreigner!”

Hitrick’s wife, Alyssa, a teaching assistant at BPHS, nominated Hitrick for the award, with help from senior high band director Michael Graves. 

“Alex has always been driven by his passion for teaching and helping others grow, and this award is a testament to his dedication,” she said. “I’ve seen the effort he puts into every aspect of his work, and it’s amazing to see him recognized for all that he does.”

For Hitrick, teaching goes beyond the classroom. He recognizes the importance of supporting his students in every aspect of their lives and takes great pride in giving back to the community where he grew up as a musician. Two years ago, he helped start an annual PRISM Concert, which features all of the district’s performing ensembles, grades 4-12, and is a fundraiser for a community member, family, or organization in need.

Hitrick is the first to acknowledge that the success of the Broadalbin-Perth music program is not his alone. 

“I’m fortunate to have great colleagues who support and inspire each other,” he said. “We bounce ideas off one another and are always aligned in our mission to give these students the best possible opportunities in music and to help them become the best humans they can be.”

Click here to learn about all of the 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40” honorees at the program’s website.