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Paulino Contreras
717-334-3643
paulinocontreras@vidacharterschool.com
Hello!
My name is Paulino Contreras, the Music & Movement teacher at Vida Charter School in Gettysburg Pennsylvania! I was born in Mexico (Torreón, Coahuila) but I grew up in Bakersfield, California and South-Central Pennsylvania. I began piano lessons around 6 years old and I grew up learning and enjoying many different brass and string instruments. By age 12 I was playing professionally in my father's band playing popular Mexican dance music in a variety of different venues up and down the East Coast. At home, my work focused mostly around classical piano music which has led to some incredible performing opportunities in my life.
In 2007 I began my studies at Millersville University starting with a degree in Music Performance. It didn't take long for me to be inspired by the leaders in the Music Education department and I soon changed my path to a degree in Music Education. I have been lucky to study with some masterful music educators. In 2011 I participated and won the Louis Vyner Competition for Music Performance which awarded me a scholarship and an opportunity to solo with the Millersville University Orchestra (Mendelssohn G minor Concerto). I have also been lucky enough to solo with the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra (Grieg A minor Concerto), and Berks Sinfonietta (Beethoven C major concerto).
Excerpt below:
Video_1.MOVIn 2012 I began to work at the Linden Hall School in Lititz PA as the Associate Music Director. Along with teaching the piano studio, serving as the staff accompanist, working with the various choir programs, and directing the Spring Musical I was also involved in some special projects. In one, I was asked to arrange a piece for our Chamber Choir to take to the Music In the Park Competition in Hershey PA. I arranged a Mexican hymn "Si Tuvieras Fe" (If You Had Faith) for SSAA choir.
Excerpt below:
IMG_3753.MOVAfter having some amazing experiences at Linden Hall I was offered the opportunity to work for the Education Department at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Strand-Capitol Theatre) in York PA as their Music Director. Much of my job was working with the kids in the nearby William Penn High School where I had many challenging yet rewarding experiences. Even though I had a great time teaching High School, I kept searching for an opportunity to work with Elementary age children, which was my focus in college. It wasn't long after that I heard about the opening at Vida Charter School and the rest is history!
Besides music I have other hobbies and interests that fill my life with joy and purpose. I'm an avid reader and enjoy books by Gore Vidal, J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Hitchens, and many others. I also love the outdoors and like to spend time hiking. This summer I hiked the Allegheny Front Trail with a group of friends. We completed the 42 mile hike through beautiful scenery in 2 nights and 3 days.
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