Faculty

ASHLEY DIGGS
Elementary Music/SPMS Orchestra
adisggs@spusd.net
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Ashley Diggs was born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Henderson, NV. It was in Henderson where she found her passion for music. She returned to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California where she received her BA in Music as well as her Masters of Art in Teaching Music. She has been teaching in South Pasadena Unified since 2011. Mrs. Diggs teaches general music at all three elementary schools and Intermediate and Advanced Orchestra at the middle school level. ​
TREY FARRELL
5th Grade/SPMS Band
tfarrell@spusd.net
https://tigercubband.weebly.com/
A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Farrell spent 8 years teaching Band and Orchestra in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA as well as serving as Professor of Oboe at Westmont College. In 2018 he was granted a Star Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Santa Barbara Unified School District. As an oboist, he has recorded for Sony Pictures and has performed with numerous groups throughout Southern California and the Bay Area.
WYLDER REINMAN
SPMS/SPHS Vocal Music
wreinmand@spusd.net
Wylder Reinman (they/them) is a gender-nonconforming music educator committed to creating a music classroom where all students feel safe to develop and hone their unique artistic voice. Wylder received their BA in Vocal Performance from Sonoma State University and their K-12 music credential from San Jose State University. In 2018, San Francisco Unified School District awarded Wylder the DreamCatcher Award for their dedication to arts education. In addition to teaching choir at both SPMS and SPHS, Wylder conducts the choir at Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church. ​
HOWARD CRAWFORD
SPHS Instrumental Music
hcrawford@spusd.net
www.sphsmusicboosters.com
The Visual and Performing Arts Chair, Howard Crawford has been teaching music at SPHS since 1990. A recipient of a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music-Jazz Studies from Howard University, Mr Crawford has received the South Pasadena Oneonta Club Teacher of the Year, the SPHS Harold Hartsough Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for the Music Center "BRAVO" Award Finalist for Outstanding Achievement in Arts Education. Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra regularly receive the highest ratings in local, regional and national festivals.

MUSIC COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Berklee College of Music
Boston Conservatory
California Institute of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
Howard University
Johns Hopkins University
Los Angeles College of Music
Northwestern University
Oberlin Conservatory
Rice University
The New School (New York)
UC Fullerton
UC Riverside
University of Rochester
University of the Pacific
USC
Vanderbilt University
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT COMING SOON!
If you are an alumni of SPUSD that has gone into a career in the visual or performing arts, we want to hear from you! Please consider clicking the link below to update us on your accomplishments and join our thriving SPUSD Arts alumni community. ​

SPUSD MUSIC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

COURSES OFFERED
ELEMENTARY
TK-5 General Music
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5th Grade Band
Students learn instrumental fundamentals as well as learn to read music and perform in three concerts of full band repertoire each year.
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MIDDLE
6th Grade Band
Band This course is designed as a continuation of 5th grade band. Students will perform several concerts during the school year, as well as other enrichment opportunities. The focus in class will be on ensemble playing, learning how to rehearse as a large group, music theory, and musicianship. Students will need to sign a contract in the beginning of the year that states the requirements and commitment needed. Approval by Mr. Farrell.
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Intermediate Band
This course is available to all 7th and 8th grade students that have previously been involved in band. This class will perform several concerts, learn music theory, work on musicianship, and attend District Band Festival in the Spring. This is a development class for either Advanced Band or the High School band program. Students & parents must sign a contract about no-drop policy. 

Advanced Band
This course is available by audition only. This class will perform several concerts, attend District Band Festival in the Spring, march in parades, learn more advanced music theory, and work on higher musicianship skills. Auditions will be held in May for the following school year. Students & parents must sign a contract about no-drop policy.

Intermediate Orchestra
Intermediate orchestra is for all students who wish to learn or improve their performance skills on their instrument. The students will be learning music theory, playing as an ensemble, and instrument technique.

Advanced Orchestra
This group is for more experienced players. The students learn focus on more advanced music literature, instrument technique, and becoming more professional musicians. Students in this group will have a chance to perform in our class string ensemble, a symphony ensemble, and chamber groups. Admittance into this group is by audition or approval only.

Beginning Choir
Chorus –Semester Chorus is a performance-based class in which music from a wide variety of styles, cultures, and time periods will be studied and performed. Students will learn proper vocal production and technique, music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. This course will also provide opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements (i.e. rhythm, melody, form, harmony, expressive elements, and style) as applied to the music performed. Students will perform in several concert performances during the year and also have the opportunity to sing solos and participate in small ensembles. 

Advanced Choir- By audition only. 
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HIGH
Concert Band
A wide variety of standard and contemporary wind band literature is performed. This is a one-year, performance ensemble that rehearses during the school day, some evenings, and some weekends. This ensemble competes in local and regional competitions. Course may be repeated for continuous credit. Prerequisite: prior musical training and an ability to participate in ALL marching and non-marching performances. Note: This course can satisfy the SPHS Physical Education (PE) requirement in lieu of a traditional PE class (fall semester marching band only). UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA).

Symphonic Band
This is an advanced instrumental music ensemble that studies standard and contemporary wind band literature. This is a one-year, performance ensemble that rehearses during the school day, some evenings, and some weekends. Advanced technical and music reading skills are required. There is an emphasis on stylistic interpretation, expression, phrasing, and compositional techniques. Course may be repeated for continuous credit. Prerequisite: previous musical training along with audition and/or teacher recommendation is required for enrollment. One must also have the ability to participate in ALL marching and non-marching performances. Note: This course can satisfy the SPHS Physical Education (PE) requirement in lieu of a traditional PE class (fall semester marching band only). UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA).

Jazz Ensemble
This is an ensemble class that studies and performs in the jazz/popular idiom. This is a one-year, performance ensemble that rehearses during the school day. Students learn different musical styles, interpretations, techniques, and improvisation necessary for small and large group performances. This is a one-year course and can be repeated for continuous credit. Prerequisite: previous musical training along with audition and/or teacher recommendation is required for enrollment. Note: 41 Students must also have the ability to participate in competitions and performances in the evenings and on weekends. UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA).

​Advanced Orchestra
This is an advanced instrumental music ensemble for string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass). This ensemble studies standard, contemporary, and new string orchestra and full orchestra literature. Intermediate/advanced technical and music reading skills are required. There is an emphasis on stylistic interpretation, expression, phrasing, and compositional techniques. Course may be repeated for continuous credit. Prerequisite: previous musical training along with audition and/or teacher recommendation is required for enrollment. UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA).

Oneonta Choir
Oneonta Choir is designed for beginning and intermediate singers. Students study teamwork, vocal, and music reading skills while learning choral pieces from the distant past to the present. This is a one-year course that may be repeated for continuous credit. Recommended Preparation: a willingness to improve your singing voice, the ability to enjoy the company of fine people, and a determination to work hard to provide for your own success. UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA). 

Arroyo Seco Choir
The Arroyo Seco Ensemble is a performance-based class for intermediate and advanced singers in which contemporary music of a wide variety of styles, cultures and time periods will be studied and performed. Students will learn and practice proper vocal production and technique, music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. Recommended Preparation: prior performance ensemble experience, and a determination to improve and work hard to provide for your own success. UC/CSU Approved for “F” Visual & Performing Arts (VPA).