The early years of teaching are critical for laying a foundation that supports long-term success, sustainability, and impact. This presentation is designed for music educators seeking practical guidance on navigating the formative years in the profession. Drawing from diverse classroom experiences, the presenters will outline year-by-year priorities–in and outside music-making spaces–to help new teachers grow intentionally without becoming overwhelmed and experiencing early career burnout.
Specific instructional strategies will be discussed, including; classroom management, effective communication, short and long-term goals, refining instructional practices, developing assessment tools, and expanding inclusive repertoire choices. The session also explores how to establish rapport within a new school district, cultivate a collaborative personality, and advocate for a healthy work-life balance. Participants will leave with a comprehensive roadmap for formative development and reinforced professional purpose.
The session brings together a team of educators representing multiple stages of early-career teaching: a first year teacher, second year teacher, and third year teacher, each offering authentic insights into the ever-evolving realities of the profession. Facilitated by a university music educator faculty, the presentation blends real-time classroom experience with research informed support.
Target Audience
Early Career Instrumental Music Educators (Band and Orchestra)
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen
UCLA
Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she teaches music education courses and supervises student teaching. She is a Fulbright Scholar, holds a Doctorate in Education from UCLA, a Master of Music Education from The Hartt School of Music, and dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance from Chapman University. Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen serves as Music Director of the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, a premier youth string orchestra in Southern California.
Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen’s scholarship and research interests include inclusive teaching practices, string pedagogy, and school belonging. She regularly presents at conferences, including the International Society for Music Education, Society of Music Teacher Education, the College Music Society, NAfME, ASTA, and CASMEC. Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen mentors school educators, serves as a curriculum consultant for school districts, and enjoys an active schedule as a guest conductor throughout the United States.
Erwin Daniel Merida
Grover Cleveland Charter High School
Erwin Daniel Merida is a music educator based in Los Angeles, CA, and currently teaches instrumental music at Grover Cleveland Charter HS. He teaches a variety of ensembles that include band, orchestra, and mariachi. During his tenure at Cleveland, Erwin founded and has directed the Jazz Ensemble B band, which has received numerous superior ratings in both the novice and intermediate divisions at multiple festivals, oftentimes as the only “B band”. He also founded and directed Mariachi de la Tierra, which in their first year received first place at the Downey HS mariachi festival in the novice division. The concert band has also only received unanimous superior ratings at SCSBOA festivals, and he also serves as Associate Director of the Cleveland HS Cavalier Regiment and Colorguard, which has qualified for a medal in SCSBOA field championships every year that Erwin has taught at Cleveland.
Erwin holds a B.A in Music Education and a B.M in Music Performance from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Euphonium with Aubrey Foard, principal Tuba of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Erwin is also a proud transfer student, and holds an A.A degree in Music and Applied Arts from Riverside City College, where he studied Euphonium and Trombone under Steve Suminski, and Euphonium with Dr. Lori Stuntz.
Brendan Lockie
Mira Mesa High School
Brendan Lockie is a San Diego-based music educator, currently serving as the Director of Bands at Mira Mesa High School. He previously co-directed the instrumental music program at Clovis West High School. Brendan’s leadership in music began early, serving as drum major for both Rancho Bernardo High School and the Mandarins Drum Corps. He studied music education at UCLA, where he was Co-President of the NAfME chapter and a board member of the Collegiate California Music Educators Association. During his time at UCLA, he graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the Dean’s Medal for the music department. Brendan is passionate about fostering musical excellence and creating inclusive, student-centered ensembles. Through his work, Brendan aims to build lasting musical traditions and empower students to grow as musicians and leaders in their communities.
Kobe Sanders
Templeton High School
Kobe Sanders is a passionate percussionist and music educator from Coachella, CA, now based in San Luis Obispo. A recent graduate of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, he studied Music Education and student taught under the tutelage of acclaimed educator Angela Woo. Kobe has taught at Palisades Charter High School, served as a guest instructor for the inaugural SoCal Bass Camp, and performed with world-class ensembles such as Élan Percussion, POW Percussion, the UCLA Bruin Marching Band, Pulse Percussion, and The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2023, he also served as bass section leader with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.
Now Director of Bands at Templeton High School, Kobe is dedicated to building student-centered, inclusive music environments. He believes meaningful music-making fosters connection, community, empowerment, and self-expression for all young aspiring musicians.