How long have you worked in TUSD?
Since 1995, this is my 24th year.
What is your job title?
Music Teacher. I currently teach 1st-4th grades Classroom Music and 5th-6th grades Chorus at Earl in the AM, and junior high/high school Guitar at eCademy in the PM.
Where did you work prior to TUSD?
My first teaching position was at Merced High School. I’ve been in TUSD ever since.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day?
Music is a K-12 credential. With that, 2018-2019 has definitely been a first for me in teaching ALL of the grades (except kindergarten) in the same year. I still think it’s the most rewarding job I could ever have!
Things you are most proud of?
One of the things that inspires me every year is to see the language of music open up to my students. I love it and am so proud of them when the notes on the page really begin to make sense, and they can then go beyond those written notes to make quality music. Even after so many years of teaching, this process never gets old.
Challenges?
Definitely trying to be everywhere I’m supposed to be at the right times, and keeping scheduling conflicts to a minimum.
Favorite memory/story?
One of my favorite memories occurred several years back. My junior high students were working hard toward perfecting music for an upcoming music festival. It was one of those days where nothing seemed to be going right. Everyone was tired, kids kept losing their sense of pitch and losing their place in their music, and we were repeating things way too many times to be making any positive progress for the day. Just when things were seeming like nothing could improve, and we were all frustrated, the power went out. After what seemed like an eternity of strained silence, we all started laughing, and then couldn’t stop. Once we finally regained our composure, we decided to put our music down and try to sing acapella in the semi dark. Magic happened. Everything instantly tuned up, and we ended on one of our most musical rehearsals ever. This memory still makes me smile.
What are you reading?
American Kingpin
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV?
I’m a big sci-fi nerd and am trying not to completely binge watch Season 3 of
The Expanse
on Amazon Prime.
Anything surprising we may not know about you?
I have a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Aikido. I’m really an introvert and standing in front of any group of people completely terrifies me.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share?
I also teach Music Education at CSU, Stanislaus. When I’m not doing music, you will probably find me riding my horse, running, or hiking. We own a small horse facility in Ceres where we board and give riding lessons.
