Tamalpais Union district moves toward new music plan overhaul

Following months of discussion, Tamalpais Union Significant University District trustees have agreed to realign two of the 3 music courses at the higher schools this fall.

The trustees have agreed to transfer ahead with a 40% reduction in the number of class sections and in corresponding instructor hours in the new music application at Archie Williams Large University in San Anselmo.

Tara Taupier, the district’s superintendent, reported the conclusion was for the reason that of declining enrollment in songs courses.

“There were being five classes of audio at Archie this 12 months we will have three following year,” Taupier stated in an electronic mail.

Archie Williams songs teacher Chip Boaz, who teaches the 5 sections, will replace Redwood’s whole-time music teacher John Mattern, who is retiring. A portion-time audio trainer will be employed at Archie Williams, Taupier reported.

No songs system adjustments are planned at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley.

Enrollment in music classes at Tam Substantial and Redwood have been projected to stay the exact or improve in the fall, in accordance to a presentation at the trustees’ March 14 board meeting.

Every single course portion expenditures approximately $35,000, so a reduce of two class sections will help you save about $70,000, explained Wes Cedros, an assistant superintendent.

Trustee Kevin Saavedra, who has been vocal about not letting the tunes programs deteriorate, explained he has a eager fascination in getting a way to strengthen the district’s applications in general.

Saavedra, a finance professional by occupation, has played the trumpet considering the fact that third quality. He ongoing to enjoy throughout public university and university, and nonetheless plays with Bay Region qualified musicians in jazz bands and other venues.

“I’m quite passionate about new music,” he explained. “Having absent by means of songs training in general public faculties, the impression on my existence has just been excellent.”

Saavedra said he would assistance extra collaboration concerning Marin higher school and middle faculty tunes lessons — and much more countywide joint songs teams and intermixing in basic.

“Music education and learning is not like math,” he claimed.

Mattern, who is retiring soon after practically 20 years, will conduct his very last live performance at Redwood’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.  Corte Madera school mother or father Karl Spurzem, whose two sons had been learners of Mattern’s at Redwood, reported he is encouraged by the adjust prepared up coming year.

“He created the most remarkable and profitable music method that has very likely at any time existed in Marin County,” Spurzem said of Mattern. “I have higher hopes Chip can keep on what John has established.”

At a new retirement tribute for Mattern, there was a sequence of video interviews accomplished of Redwood new music method alumni, some of whom went on to be skilled musicians, producers and singer-songwriters, attributing their achievements to Mattern, Spurzem explained.

“I just desired to bring his tale to lifetime and mirror on what an awesome job he did more than the earlier 20 yrs and the amazingly good effects he had on so many young people,” Spurzem mentioned.

Mattern has made his have albums, and nonetheless performs and organizes live shows in his household ranch barn venue in Ukiah.

“He is a monster musician and an amazing trainer,” reported Paul Robinson, a longtime assistant of Mattern’s at Redwood. “It’s been a excellent working experience doing the job alongside him.”