All 4th & 5th Grade students will participate in Band, Orchestra (Strings) or Choir weekly. Being part of a musical group promotes leadership and teamwork. Most of all, we have fun! Music classes are provided by the San Diego Unified School District VAPA instructors for fourth and fifth grade students. Classes meet once a week on Tuesday, during the school day.
Students are taught basic fundamentals such as: music notation, pitch and rhythmic concepts, music appreciation; as well as performance skills on their instrument of choice. The class is taught by a team of three teachers who travel as a group from school to school. Each week the music teachers simultaneously teach the students who are enrolled in one of three choices: Band, Choir or Orchestra.
Meet our Instructors:
Harmon Tipton
Mr. Tipton is the 2011 David Paul Schuchman award winner for outstanding instrumental music teacher and the 2012 Teacher of the Year for VAPA. He began by playing jazz bass in high school and then studying guitar in college, but ultimately earned a BA in composition and an MA in musicology before earning a teaching credential all at SDSU. He is a singer and songwriter who also has a great interest in American music of all types doing his Master's Thesis on American music and the American political-economy. Harmon also plays baritone with and occasionally conducts the Pomerado Community Band. This is his 15th year with VAPA teaching elementary instrumental music and he has also taught at the middle school and high school level. Harmon was the manager of the SDUSD Elementary Honor Band for 10 years. [email protected]
Mark Nicholson
Mr. Nicholson has taught music to students at all levels, as band director at Madison high school, Kroc middle school (now Creative and Performing Media Arts) and at several elementary schools throughout the district. Mr. Nicholson was recognized for his contributions in music education as Music Specialist and was recipient of the “2018-19 Profiles in Music Education” award from the San Diego Youth Symphony. Additionally, he was featured in the Union-Tribune’s interview “Profiles of Notable Local People” where he shared his insights and experiences as a seasoned music educator in San Diego Unified. Mr. Nicholson believes that every child should have the experience of learning and making music while in school, as it inspires creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. He enjoys performing trumpet in a community band made up of local music teachers and enjoys singing in his spare time. Mr. Nicholson is looking forward to an enjoyable year teaching music at Dingeman Elementary!
Noah Wilke