Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies

My passion is music, my gifting is teaching.  Combined, I will be an excellent music teacher in the public school system. 

In 5th grade, I realized my passion for music.  I picked up the clarinet and I have loved playing it ever since that day.  I am not sure how I was drawn to it, or if it was the only instrument I could get a sound from.  Since then, Mr. Johnsen, my band teacher, has inspired and encouraged me to continue even when I wanted to give up.  He exemplifies joy in teaching and through his model I have decided to pursue a career as a music teacher. 
 

Beginning Band was my first ensemble experience and I am now in the first row in the Wind Ensemble, the highest level band at school, having played in four bands in between.  This process of growing from band to band has taught me self-confidence and camaraderie with a specific group of peers.

In middle school I began teaching clarinet to new music students at school.  Currently, I am a Music Teacher Aid for the Symphonic Band.  Being in this position makes me more aware of necessary teaching techniques.  As a TA I interact with young students and see different techniques applicable in music education.  Mr. Johnsen also teaches me how to motivate and discipline students.  I am also involved in the behind-the-scenes and preparation work such as music sorting, organizing and cataloging instruments, and overall room upkeep.  I enjoy tutoring the clarinet section, working with other sections, leading the class in daily warm-ups, and conducting.  I am looking forward to conducting the class this spring in a performance. 

I am grateful for the gift of opportunities in my life, both planned and unexpected.  Mr. Johnsen introduced me to Stephen Piazza, conductor of the LA Winds, an adult one-hundred piece ensemble, which I have been playing with for the past two years.  Last summer we performed at the Mid-Europe Festival, Schaldming, Austria and toured eastern in Eastern Europe. 

Performing at the Opera House in Budapest marked the fiftieth country Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, Retired US Air Force conducted in.  I will always be thankful for the time spent with the Colonel - musically and socially.  Spending time with him and other professional musicians this summer impacted me greatly as a future teacher. 

The greatest impact I can have on students I believe will come out of remaining teachable myself.  The experiences at SOCES have completely shaped my life and set me on the course of my chosen profession.

Thank you for the honor and opportunity to be included in this celebration as the nominee from Councilman Dennis Zine.  My mom and I looked at the website and I am thrilled to be asked to part of this prestigious recognition and celebration.    

Following is a resume, bio, and one of my college entrance essays.  I hope this provides a glimpse into who I am and the information you requested.

I look forward to meeting you and thank you again for your efforts for the sake of music and children.

RESUME

Music has always been a crucial part of Leah’s life vocally and instrumentally.  In spite of as much as up to 75% hearing loss at times due to nine ear tube surgeries before age eight, she has performed in choirs and recited scripture publicly at The Church On The Way, Van Nuys since age three and has been a member of the High Impact Worship Team. 

Leah began playing clarinet in 5th grade and also enjoys playing bass clarinet, and saxophone.  She has been a member of every ensemble at Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, the Knights and Ladies Vocal Ensemble and played “Laurey” in the school production of Oklahoma!  Leah has been a member of the LA Winds since 2005. Major performances include Mid-Europe Festival, Schaldming, Austria (July 2007) and New Orleans to Katrina victims (April 2008).      

Leah studies clarinet under Geoff Nudel and voice with Bill Reilly.  Leah will attend Mason Gross School of Music, Rutgers University in the fall as a Music Education Major with aspirations to return to Los Angeles as a public school music teacher.

“Music is more than just notes.  Music is a melody that evolves into a story which people interact with.”