Originally, I was going to school to become a professional trombonist. I started out volunteering at an elementary school, helping the brass section. I was then asked the next year to come back and lead the elementary band. I fell in love with teaching music. Once I finished my Bachelors in Music Performance on Trombone, I went back to school to complete all the music education courses and enter the teaching credential program. I student taught at a high school and middle school. Completing the teaching credential program in 1 year, I took a job at my second interviewing school. I have been at that school for 15 years teaching middle school band and orchestra during the normal school session and general music during winter session.
The books I use in band are Standards of Excellence and in orchestra is All for Strings. I constantly modify what I give extra to my students and what is learned in the book. I started out going one after the other, but quickly found it boring the students and I was bored. I believe in students choosing their instrument for a reason. It's our jobs to keep that flame alive in the student and expose them to music they will be motivated to learn. Motivation is a FABULOUS tool to teach them the technics they need to learn and master. For example: I give students music they would be familiar with from shows, radio, cartoons, movies, etc. as a side fun thing for them to practice. I try to connect what they learn from their books and sheet music to music they know, culture, and bring technology in the classroom to give them further exploration in music.
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High School: Santa Susana Magnet Performing Arts High School College: California State University Northridge
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PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff
Arts & Music, Music, Music Composition, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Other (Performing Arts)