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2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Daniel Gutierrez, 31

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It’s hard to imagine building a 15-student choral program to 300 singers. Daniel Gutierrez did just that. At Reed Academy, that participation represents nearly half the student population. A few years later, Gutierrez doubled the tuition-free Boys Choir of Springfield to 90 students. Seems he’s a music magnet – Gutierrez even recruited 10 students into his program from lunch detention. “Music transcends any boundaries,” he says. “The effect on a community is exponential.” The cherry on top for Gutierrez is Reed’s choir being one of three middle schools nationwide invited to perform at the National Conference for the American Choral Directors Association.

What was your first job? My first job was as a cashier at a supermarket in New York called Waldbaums.

What is your theme song? I call myself a tiger in the mirror before important things come up. So, let’s go with “Eye of the Tiger.”

What was your professional “aha” moment? A colleague of mine told me I couldn’t do something. That was all the motivation I needed.

What do you miss most about the 1990s? I miss pogs. I had an impressive collection.

Top secret alias if you worked for the CIA? G Sharp

What about your job would shock clients? Clients would be shocked to see how many hours I put into my job versus how much I get paid.

What app gets you through the day? Spotify

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