Tom Perrotti, Director of Education Before joining Common Fence Music, Tom taught literature, creative writing and theater arts at Portsmouth High School and was the treasurer of the Rhode Island State Theater Education Association. After the first Common Fence Music live performance was held, he signed on as tech director for the series. He later served as CFM's Musical Director for 15 years. Today, as CFM's Director of Education, Tom focuses on the organization's Connecting the Beats program, bringing African-inspired drumming and dance to the youth of Newport County. He also plays guitar and mandolin in bands around Rhode Island, including The Slackwater String Band and The Golden Bantam String Band.