LIGHT Awards Recipient, Strings Pedagogy Classes, April 2017-June 2019
When I was asked to take over the (then failing) orchestra I was a little shocked. Why would she ask me? I'm not qualified. I can't do that.... So I decided to take action. I wrote and received a grant from strings pedagogy classes for myself and five other band directors that are teaching orchestra. We meet regularly to learn and collaborate. Teaching orchestra was originally quite terrifying, but it has becoming something that I enjoy very much. I am thankful that my Superintendent trusted me with this challenge.
California All-State Music Education Conference, Presenter February 2018
Teaching in Ravenswood has been a very challenging endeavor on many levels. I have learned a wealth of information and gained some excellent experiences from this career path. I was honored to present some of my findings and share teaching strategies at CASMEC in San Jose in February 2018.
CMEA Cap-Section Fall In-Service, Presenter, August 2017
My presentation at CMEA Cap-Section was very similar to my CASMEC presentation, however I was privileged to present alongside my teacher and colleague Dr. Matthew Arau from Lawrence Conservatory.
The Ohio State University Strings Teacher Workshop, Attendee July 2017
After I took over the Orchestra at Cesar Chavez Academy I had a strong desire to strengthen my abilities as both a musician and educator. I asked around about clinics that I could attend and professional development and I kept hearing about The Ohio State University's String Teacher Workshop. This experience was one of the most fruitful professional development seminars I have ever attended. I plan to return in the Summer of 2019 to further strengthen my skillset.
The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Attendee, December 2015 & 2018
I have had the privilege of attending the prestigious Midwest Clinic on two separate occasions. Professional Growth is something that is very important to me, so I'm thankful to have had opportunities to travel to conferences like the Midwest Clinic.
Stanford Live Conference on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and the Arts, Presenter, January 2019
We have been lucky at Ravenswood Middle School to have tremendous support from Stanford Live in a variety of ways. In January 2019, our students shared one of our partnerships at a conference to support local educators with culturally responsive pedagogy.
Silicon Valley CUE, Teach through Technology Conference, Attendee, 2017 & 2019
I like to stay up to date on technology in my classroom. I have had the privilege of attending the SVCUE Conference at the Harker School on two occasions during my tenure in Ravenswood.
Freelance Musician, Professional Saxophonist and Woodwind Doubler
I think it is extremely important for music teachers to remember why we do what we do. I love performing and playing alongside my peers. I particularly enjoy playing saxophone with the San Francisco Wind Symphony and The Santa Clara Big Band. I also spend a great deal of time as a Music Director and Woodwind Doubler in various pit orchestras throughout the Bay Area. I believe that my work as a freelance musician helps me be a better teacher because my students see that even as a professional, I still need to practice!