From "La Voce" - The Voice Of Las Vegas

Italian-American Community - Dec 2006

Frank Valeriani Conveying the Italian culture and capturing his student's admiration!

Whether you want to learn more about your heritage or are pursuing the study of Italian for the pure pleasure of learning the language, the course instructor can be instrumental as to whether the language experience is successful. La Voce found such an instructor, Frank Valeriani, who is making a difference in the college classroom bringing the study of Italian alive for his students. Frank captures his students' interest in the study of Italian by sharing the culture and history of the language. He strives to give his pupils a background about the history of Italy and how those events influence the actions of Italians today.

Frank didn't always aspire to be a teacher. He wanted to pursue a career in music having received a music degree at the National Conservatory of Naples. He had not considered the possibility of teaching Italian until he was approached and encouraged by Dr.Walter Centuori, an Italian professor at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN).

Now Frank happily teaches Italian at both the Henderson and West Charleston campuses of the college. Frank uses a variety of approaches for teaching a foreign language, supplementing his lectures with a textbook and workbook. He often breaks the class into small groups to practice the language and moves around the classroom giving feedback. As a teacher he tries to be approachable, encouraging questions, and asking the students why they chose a response. He uses humor to create an inviting classroom atmosphere.

Even though Frank is committed to teaching he has not abandoned his love for music. Frank is muti-talented playing the keyboard, percussion instruments, saxophone, as well as singing. Las Vegas provides the perfect venue for him to play his saxophone in a band at festivals and area casinos. Frank continues his love for performing Italian music with his current group, “Kumba Band”. Fellow band member Peppe Merolla adds his expertise to the band by playing the drums. Steve Rossi serves as the Music Coordinator for the group. Frank's wife Ivana also has musical talent and is pursuing her interest in singing.

Students in Frank Valeriani's classes recognize what makes him a special teacher. Noemi Santana believes that being taught by someone who is Italian is truly a benefit. Frank was born in Newark, New Jersey but as a teenager moved to Caserta, a city about twenty minutes from Naples. He moved to Las Vegas in 2003 drawn here by the climate and his pursuit of a music career. Noemi contends that his background gives the class “a real feel of Italy”. Barbara Santora appreciates the fact that Frank understands and conveys both the American and Italian culture and the contrast between the two.

The students are quick to share their enjoyment of the class. Cindy Dixon not only enjoys going to the language class but contends that the instructor's patience and non- intimidating manner have helped her overcome any nervousness she had in learning the language. Sarah Mancini echoes her classmates in noting that the class is a lot of fun and a very comfortable way to learn. Frank best summarizes his teaching and his class of students in this way- “For two hours I give them a taste of Italy. During that time they are Italians.”