PHIL HOUGH *
In 1979, an eclectic array of music permeated American culture- from Pink Floyd to the Clash, and society was being shaped by a new wave of sound. At Saint David’ s, a new era of musical influence was also underway.
Having completed his pedagogical work at the School for Strings, Mr. Phil Hough had recently completed his graduate studies and was seeking a career path that would utilize his talents. Former Saint David’ s Headmaster David Hume invited Hough to teach strings and help work on the foundations of this passion; and born out of a Hume-led concept to create an orchestra made up of several private schools, a Philharmonic Ensemble would soon be born. In conjunction with Mary Miner, whom Hough recounts as“ an incredible advocate for the arts,” Saint David’ s musical program would grow in the decade that followed; debuting at Carnegie Hall.“ This was a big step because it became a motivating signal for generations to follow,” he shared.
“ It was a privilege and honor to play here, and for the boys it would become a hallmark Saint David’ s experience to warm up behind the curtain while doing math problems with Mr. Reeb.” The emphasis of opportunity and trying a new instrument to“ see what works best” is essential to his teaching philosophy.“ It’ s about foundations and balance,” he shared.“ The experience of hands-on musical training isn’ t necessarily about playing at the most advanced level; but rather, the physicality and education of and with the instrument that stays with them much later in life. Some will continue to play on, just as any other hobby like golf or tennis, but once having done it, the experience is forever a part of you.”
When asked what has stayed the same in his five decades at Saint David’ s, Hough was quick to affirm the hallmark qualities of the school,“ The energy and enthusiasm is consistent- Saint David’ s is amazing in that you can be both lively- and even playful in moments, but also do serious work. Saint David’ s continues to connect in ensuring that all boys are seen and understood- and that will always be the case.”
* Phil Hough passed away in March 2026. May he rest in peace.
TOM RYAN
He can recite the baseball stats of Mickey Mantle ' s ' 57 season with precision, but more impressively, his recall of former students- where they sat in the classroom, their best friends’ names, the generations of families; it’ s all as vivid today as it was the day that the boys were in eighth grade.
"( Being here at Saint David ' s)— it is a life well-spent, besides wanting to play center field for the New York Yankees, that is."- Mr. Tom Ryan.
Nearly 55 years ago, the fiancée of the then 21-year-old Fordham graduate had found a teaching position posted in The New York Times. " As I waited to interview with the former Headmaster, David Hume, I sat next to eight other men, all of whom had three-piece suits and briefcases. I was barely wearing a tie, and it certainly didn ' t match my shirt," he humbly joked. " I nearly left- and I ' m very glad that I didn ' t." From Day 1, the magic of Mr. Ryan ' s classes has been rooted in trust, " I do think there is an inherent joy— I like to banter with the boys; there ' s a bond, a kinship, a relational connection of listening to each other." The newness never gets old. " Each fall is a new start— a new beginning, a new audience, Saint David ' s boys who need to learn about Atticus Finch or Romeo and Juliet."
This rite of passage through Mr. Ryan ' s eighth grade room is a foundational piece for the high school education that follows. " When a graduate comes back and tells me that they were so prepared for ninth grade, that ' s fulfilling to me; and when a graduate comes back and tells me that The Count of Monte Cristo is still their favorite book, I know that we ' ve accomplished something meaningful." When asked what is most significant about teaching at Saint David ' s, Mr. Ryan was quick to connect the emotional component of education: " I want these boys to always leave the classroom buzzing, excited to know what the next class, what the next chapter, will bring. I know that I will be."
Spring 2026 • 39