Deanna Plotke

Originally, I was going to school to become a professional trombonist. I started out volunteering at an elementary school, helping the brass section. I was then asked the next year to come back and lead the elementary band. I fell in love with teaching music. Once I finished my Bachelors in Music Performance on Trombone, I went back to school to complete all the music education courses and enter the teaching credential program. I student taught at a high school and middle school. Completing the teaching credential program in 1 year, I took a job at my second interviewing school. I have been at that school for 15 years teaching middle school band and orchestra during the normal school session and general music during winter session.

The books I use in band are Standards of Excellence and in orchestra is All for Strings. I constantly modify what I give extra to my students and what is learned in the book. I started out going one after the other, but quickly found it boring the students and I was bored. I believe in students choosing their instrument for a reason. It's our jobs to keep that flame alive in the student and expose them to music they will be motivated to learn. Motivation is a FABULOUS tool to teach them the technics they need to learn and master. For example: I give students music they would be familiar with from shows, radio, cartoons, movies, etc. as a side fun thing for them to practice. I try to connect what they learn from their books and sheet music to music they know, culture, and bring technology in the classroom to give them further exploration in music.

High School: Santa Susana Magnet Performing Arts High School College: California State University Northridge