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John teaches all of the School Band Instruments - Trumpet, Clarinet, Sax,
Flute (all Brass and Woodwinds) - at Bananas At Large as well as at the
homes of his students. He can be reached at: (415) 328-4306.
John’s Method
“Students improve their skills using a wonderful method book called, ‘The Standard of Excellence’ and their own school band music. These skills create a solid musical ‘ground floor’ from which students can advance, and include: the development of beautiful tone quality, beat, rhythm, duration of note, range, breath control, dynamics, phrasing, artistic style, performance skills, and music theory.
The lessons are fun and I compliment my students frequently. When needed, I make positive and constructive corrections. The student is given a vision for the future, of the great fun and benefits that music education and performance can add to one's life. I encourage practice and continued participation in their school Concert and Jazz Bands, Honor Bands, Talent Shows, Solo and Ensemble Festivals, and Civic Bands."
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Biography
John has taught music successfully in public schools for 15 years in grades 3-12, and privately for 10 years. He has a Bachelor of Music with emphasis on Music Education as well as a Lifetime California Teaching Credential. His University Supervisor said in his teacher recommendation; “John is one of the finest teachers I have ever observed.” He received the school’s Band Award in both elementary and high school, and Scholarship to the University of Pacific Music Camp. After graduating from High School, he became a tennis and swimming instructor for six years while going to college. Upon graduation, he became a Senior Faculty Member of the Cazadero Music Camp as well as Dean of Boys and Recreation Supervisor, supervising Recreation Leaders, 24 Counselors and 1000 Students.
John has judged for California Music Educators’ Concert Band Festivals. And while some of his students are content to move at their own pace, all of his students are offered opportunities to excel at solo and ensemble festivals:
Individual Student Awards and Honors included:
At the elementary level, numerous Superior and Command Performance ratings at California Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival: e.g.
• In 2004-05 Danny, a 13 year old Trumpet Student, was selected to sit 1st Chair in the Marin County Honor Band and 1st Chair Trumpet in the Marin Youth Symphony’s Crescendo Orchestra! Danny will be featured by the Orchestra on Trumpeter’s Lullaby by Leroy Anderson during its 2004-05 Season. He began taking lessons in 5th grade and after one year sat 5th out of 19 chairs in the 7th - 9th grade section of Cazadero Summer Music Camp Band, and 2nd Chair after his second year of study. He was also selected to be one of their Orchestra’s three trumpet players;
• After only five months of playing, Jonathan, a 4th grader Clarinetist, won the Best Musician award at a Solo and Ensemble Festival for 5th and 6th graders of ten schools;
• Elizabeth, a 5th grader Flute student, received the highest honor of Command Performance; on her solo;
• Three Judges at a recent Jazz Festival singled out and awarded Zakai, an 8th grade Saxophonist based upon his exceptional level of performance;
• Allison, a Trombonist, rated Superior at Festival and has also become a Public Schools Music Teacher.
And at the High School level:
• Trumpet student Pete sat 3rd Chair in the California All State Honor Symphonic Band and now is 1st Chair in a Las Vegas Show Band;
• Tom, on Alto Sax, became the Lead Alto Saxophonist in California All State Honor Jazz Band and later taught at Eastman School of Music the summer before his freshman year and now is featured on five CDs and two of his own as a woodwind specialist in New York City;
• Saxophonist, Cathy was selected 2nd Chair for the California All State Honor Symphonic Band and now teaches music in the Sacramento Public Schools;
• Clarinetist, Jim was selected for the Nor Cal Honor Band and has also become a music teacher.
• Thomas, trumpeter, received the 2010 "Most Improved Jazz Musician" Award from the Marin School of the Arts.
Jazz Band Awards include:
• First Place Redwood Empire Jazz Festival at Sonoma State University, with students awarded: Outstanding Soloist, Best Musician, Best Rhythm Section and Unanimous Superior for the Jazz Combo;
• Awarded Best Overall Band of four High School Divisions and one College Division at the Sacramento City College Jazz Festival including: Best Soloist, and Best Combo Awards; Unanimous Superior at the Cal Music Educators Jazz Festival; Jazz Quintet selected to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Some of John's other endeavors and associations have included:
• Music Educators National Conference; Adjudicator for Festivals
• National Association Of Jazz Educators
• FAA Certified Pilot
• Varsity Tennis Team Most Valuable Player
• Badminton Awards: Second NorCal Badminton Association Tournament.
• National Association Of Safe Scuba Diving
• Avid Hiker/Marin and Sonoma Counties
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