Bakotopia

BakeTown is my HomeTown. I grew up here ... was transplanted very young.

I was nurtured and furthered in my music education via the Bakersfield school system and my teachers here, prior to college and studies outside this area.

I played violin professionally for over twenty years, including freelance work in Los Angeles, Tahoe/Reno, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Orange County, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Yosemite, Fresno, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Antelope Valley, Bakersfield and Tulare areas.

I have been teaching private violin students in Bakersfield for twenty years. I have coached the Youth Symphony violins and string sections of several high school and elementary school orchestras. I am a member of CMEA (California Music Educators Association).

I teach a great group of students. In 2007, my class was outstanding at the Kern County CMEA Solo and Ensemble Ratings Festival, including five prestigious Command Performances awarded.

Also, in 2007, a student of mine auditioned for and won a solo performance with the Bakersfield Youth Symphony in the upcoming 2008 season.  Currently, '08-09, he is a co-concertmaster of the orchestra. 

In addition, a student of mine was recently promoted to the concertmaster (first chair) position with the Santa Clarita Youth Symphony. He also recently auditioned for and won a solo with this orchestra and the professional orchestra during the 2008 season. He was a Command Performance winner in the 2007 CMEA Ratings Festival.

In 2008, a student of mine was chosen as an alternate (runner-up) player for the California **All State** Honor Orchestra and  was able to particpate with the orchestra with a high seat in her section.  Currently, she will particpate in another California state honor orchestra in December, 08, along with two other members of my class.  

I also teach several members of the Kern Youth Mariachi organization. And I'm very proud of that too.  Members of the KCYYMF were recently awarded a Command Performance at the KCMEA Ratings Festival and were highlighted in the 08/08 Mas Magazine, Bakersfield California newspaper. 

I'm thankful that I have such a great group of kids ... all of them are special to me.

I believe that school music programs and education are as valuable and enriching as the more well-funded sports programs, etc. Even for students not planning on attending college as music majors/minors.

In other words, I believe the study of music enhances the mind and soul.

Music/String/Orchestral programs are in danger of dying out in certain districts of Bakersfield, especially with proposed state of California budget cuts.

Less financially endowed school districts are on the verge of losing their music, especially their orchestral programs, due to elective restrictions requiring students to meet other academic standards prior to being allowed to join music programs.

In my opinion, that's a bureaucratic Catch-22. Please help keep music education alive.

User Name:ViolinPro
Real Name:Karin
Member Since:December 18, 2006
Last Signed In:November 21, 2008
Profile Views:3642
Blog Views:4058