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 and 2009, 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 2008 season.  Currently, '08-09, and '09-10 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, one of my students participated in the California All State Honor Orchestra.  In early 2009, four of my students participated in All State orchestras and currently, late 2009, five of my students will play in All State Honor String Orchestra and Honors Symphony. 

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 and 08/09 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.

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