MEET NICK GAROFALO! Nick is the band director and music teacher at Chattahoochee High School. He is originally from Boston, has made several moves taking him to wonderful places like Chicago, IL, Kalamazoo,MI and Chattanooga, TN, which is where he earned his music degree. He moved to Johns Creek for a job teaching elementary and high school music and landed up at CHS 14 years ago. He absolutely loves watching his students progress throughout his time with them and inspires them to push themselves harder every day to be accomplished musicians. He has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 6 years; they have one fur baby, Buford, a beautiful beagle. Nick is a talented and humble man that you’ll surely want to meet!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Johns Creek?
A: It has been my pleasure to work in Johns Creek for 14 years at Chattahoochee as the band director.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Johns Creek, and what do you love there?
A: I am a big fan of J’s Asian Café. The seafood medley with the white sauce is the best.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Johns Creek?
A: In my time here at CHS, I would say Tim Corrigan is the most interesting person. He really makes an effort to globally support the communities through the schools.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: I have always loved music and teaching. When I was in 7th grade, I had the opportunity to assist a friend on a certain snare drum rhythm. My band director was in his office and asked me to come in. He overheard the “teaching” and said to me, “you did a great job; you should be a band director!” I replied, “I want to be a rock drummer”. Fast forward years later and here I am.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I would love to go to anywhere in Eastern Europe and pretend I was a spy. Although, I would need a time machine and a 60’s Roadster Convertible.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: My favorite movie is The Adjustment Bureau; the plot and idea are just magnificent.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: Pay attention to your surroundings!
Q: Aside from travel, what is something on your bucket list?
A: I want to compose music for a film soundtrack.
Q: What is your favorite music/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: Pink Floyd! If I can go back 30 years I would just go to 1 of their shows; it would be so spectacular!
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Johns Creek?
A: The Kroger on Old Milton Parkway (State Bridge Rd); I really enjoy the salad bar and Starbucks inside the Kroger.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Johns Creek would you have lunch?
A: Jim Newton, who is a former band parent and all around great person to know, is who I would love to have lunch with at any BBQ joint! Local Q and Brew, it’s new and is a good one.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Johns Creek?
A: I really enjoy how the area is focused around the residents and schools.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I see myself continuing to teach music, but with my own kids! I would really like to have kids soon.
Q: What is something interesting that most people (including family and friends) don’t know about you?
A: I’m an open book, what you see is what you can get.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Family, Heart, and Pride
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: I would want to work with Tommy Lee Jones.
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I would choose a personal bodyguard just so when I walk around, people would give funny and curious looks and whisper comments under their breath.
