Music
Bio
My name is Tim Weed and I am the new music teacher at Clifton Middle School. I have an M.A. Ed. from Azusa Pacific University and a B.A. in violin performance from the Biola Conservatory of Music. I also studied professional music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. I am currently a professional musician and I have been teaching in Monrovia since 2008. This school year (2020-2021) was my first year as a full-time music teacher at Clifton, and I am thrilled to be teaching music at a school with over 40 years of award-winning music ensembles! We have a tremendous amount of potential at our school and I look forward to working with all of our students to help continue the legacy of musical excellence.
As you can imagine, distance learning has made it necessary for us to teach music and learn instruments in some new ways. This transition has been challenging, but it has also allowed me to introduce exciting new learning experiences that I look forward to building on in the years to come.
Music technology
I want to tell you about some of the exciting online platforms the students have been learning to use, including BandLab.com and Smar
About our music program
The Clifton music instrumental and choral program is academically rigorous. At all levels, we focus on developing playing technique and preparing for performances. Students will also develop greater musicality and literacy, including an awareness of different musical styles and their historical and cultural context. Creative projects using music technology will introduce students to audio engineering and production skills relevant to today's music industry. Community concerts, competitions, and creative music projects give students a vision for what they can do with their musical training in the future. This includes preparing students to continue as members of our outstanding band, strings, and choir programs at the high school.
Expectations of students and goals for our program
Our program has high standards for excellence. When students come to my class, I like to let them know three things right away. Mistakes are ok because that means we are learning; getting frustrated at times is normal because it means that we care; coming to class prepared is essential. I strive to make my class a welcoming environment where every student can feel included and a part of the team.
Student ensembles will be given many opportunities to perform for our community as well as at district-wide concert events. Our band and our orchestra will be representing our school and our town in local parades and competitions.
You can help! Band Boosters
It takes a considerable amount of organizing and fundraising for this program to thrive. The Clifton Band Boosters is a heroic non-profit organization that helps us provide funding for instruments, music, and travel opportunities. If you are a parent of a Clifton music student, please consider lending us your talents by joining our band booster team.
I'm looking forward to next fall and getting the new year off to a great start. If you have specific questions about our program, you are welcome to contact me. I would be pleased to speak with you and answer any questions that you have.
Tim Weed
