Nelson believes that a fine arts education is essential for the development of the whole child. Our music program provides students with unique experiences that allow them to explore their passions, maximize their creativity and critical thinking skills, and learn valuable lessons about self-motivation, dedication and teamwork. 

Students in Grades 1-3 will receive one 30 minute music class per week that consists of singing, movement and playing simple instruments all designed to foster a life-long appreciation of music.

Students in 4th Grade will receive one 30-minute classes per week, one emphasizing choral music and one emphasizing instrumental music with the intent to help students discover their passion as they begin transitioning to 5th grade performing groups.

Students in Grades 5-6 may choose to participate in choir, band or orchestra and receive two 45 minute classes per week. These outstanding ensembles offer students the chance to develop vocal and instrumental skills and perform at festivals and concerts throughout the school year. 

Stephanie Anaforian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from California State University, Fresno, and a Master of Music in French Horn Performance from the University of Washington. She is certified in Orff Schulwerk Level 2 and has passionately taught a diverse range of music classes, from preschool special education to middle and high school band and orchestra, in Washington State and throughout California's Central Valley.

Since 2000, Mrs. Anaforian has served as an elementary music specialist in the Clovis Unified School District, where she thrives on the joy of introducing students to musical instruments, laying a solid foundation for their music education, and witnessing their growth as they transition to Kastner and Clovis West High School.

In her leisure time, Mrs. Anaforian enjoys visiting the beach, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband, Jason, their daughters Mia, Alex, Lauren, and Rachel, and their three dogs, Ellie, Kreacher, and Dobbie.

Ms. Vargas began her musical journey in 5th grade, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of music and inspired her to pass that same joy on to young students. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music from CSU Fresno and has been teaching for six years. Her primary instrument is the flute, and she also performs mariachi music as a singer and violinist. Ms. Vargas is passionate about sharing the joy of music and loves seeing her students smile as they discover how fun and rewarding making music can be. Outside of teaching, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and learning new languages. She’s also a proud cat mom to Oreo and Apollo—her two lovable fur babies! 

Mrs. Gentry earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from CSU Fresno and her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Governors' University. She discovered her love of music in 5th grade when she began playing the clarinet, and has since performed in many honor groups, including State Honor Band and Orchestra, as well as several local ensembles. A highlight of her musical journey was performing at Carnegie Hall with the Central Valley Winds. Mrs. Gentry believes every child can grow as a musician and that music education builds creativity, confidence, and community. She is excited to be part of the Clovis West Area music team, where she enjoys helping students build a strong foundation in rhythm and pitch through singing, movement, and playing instruments. She loves seeing students succeed and hopes to inspire them to continue growing and moving forward in music as they advance through school. She and her husband are proud parents of their son, who is an 8th grader in Clovis Unified and plays the alto sax in band and shines in drama. At home, their family also includes two huskies, Maverick and Maya. In her free time, Mrs. Gentry enjoys traveling to other countries, cruising, watercolor painting, watching her nephew march in the famous University of Wisconsin Badger marching band, and spending time with her family.