Meet Sam

Musician.   Educator.   Filmmaker.

A Pennsylvania-based filmmaker and photographer, Sam Garvey is currently pursuing a degree in film and photography at Pennwest Edinboro — his second degree. With a background in teaching music PreK-8, Sam’s roots in education and the performing arts have informed and deepened his passion for the moving image. A lifelong film buff and unapologetic nerd, Sam seeks to tell stories with impact and depth.

Resume

Education:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts — Film and Photography

    • Pennwest Edinboro. Edinboro, PA.

    • August 2025 - Present.

    • Projected Graduation Date: May, 2027.

  • Bachelor of Music Education — Piano

    • Mercyhurst University. Erie, PA.

    • August, 2019 - May 2023.

Projects & Creative Works:

  • Co-host, The Reel Radar with Sam and Mason — 2022

    • Recorded, edited, and uploaded videos for a film discussion podcast.

    • Distributed the podcast on multiple platforms (YouTube, Audible, Spotify).

  • Director, Bumpers — 2026

    • Worked with actors and a small film crew to produce a short film.

    • Planned for the film shoot by writing/editing scripts, storyboarding, and scouting film locations, with close collaboration with the film crew.

    • Communicated with camera technicians, gaffers, editors, and sound technicians to film multiple takes for a smooth post-production process.

  • Camera, Chickens — 2026

    • Planned for film shoot by storyboarding, scouting film locations, and pre-planning shots.

    • Coordinated with the director to determine the best lighting and staging during film shoots.

    • Filmed, logged, and prepared footage for server-based editing.

Professional Experience:

  • Produce Customer Service

    • Wegmans. Erie, PA. | Oct. 2025 - Present.

      • Stocked various food products efficiently, organizing displays and shelves for store events and seasonal items, and providing friendly and helpful customer service.

  • Music Director, The Wizard of Oz Jr.

    • Waterford Elementary. Waterford, PA. | Jan. 2026 - Mar. 2026.

      • Rehearsed music with large ensembles of 3rd to 5th-grade students, as well as coaching the main cast one-on-one. Collaborated with the director, choreographer, and costumers during rehearsals.

  • Music Teacher and School Librarian/Technology Teacher

    • St. Luke School. Erie, PA. | Aug. 2023 - Jun. 2025.

      • Taught PreK-8 general music, with experience conducting instrumental and vocal ensembles.

      • Integrated technology into class procedures and lesson plans, as well as running STEAM-based activities for multiple age groups.

  • Erie Philharmonic Chorus Member

    • Erie Philharmonic. Erie, PA. | Aug. 2023 - Present.

      • Performed works such as Britten’s War Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Handel’s Messiah with a large chorus and orchestra.

  • Dairy Customer Service

    • Wegmans. Erie, PA. | Dec. 2022 - Dec. 2023.

      • Stocked various food products efficiently, organizing displays and shelves for store events and seasonal items, and providing friendly and helpful customer service.

Honors & Awards

Awards coming soon!