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Music, B.A. | Class of
Clara Navarro
Music Teacher
Employer: Yuma School District # 1
Job description: I teach general music at two schools and teach grades kindergarten to fifth. We meet once a week for 45-minute classes. I have approximately 500 students. I have been teaching here in my hometown in this position for about 10 years.
About Clara
Why did you choose this program?
I chose Cal Poly Humboldt for 3 reasons:
1. The small town/small class sizes. The town I grew up in was very small and my high school graduating class only had 20 students, so when I found out how small Humboldt was I felt very comfortable knowing that it would have the same small-town feeling.
2. The location and weather. Living all my life in Winterhaven, California and Yuma, Arizona, where summers are well over 100 degrees, I was looking for a big change and to get out of the desert. When I saw the catalog for Humboldt I thought it was another state or planet! I wasn't prepared for as many rain and cloudy days as there were, but I welcomed them and often miss those days now.
3. The ability to start with no skills and still be able to make my dream come true. I am so thankful and lucky that the Music Department and Humboldt allowed me to become a music major with no true background in music—though I had a lot of passion! I am in awe of all of the classes and professors that took the time to show me everything beautiful thing about music so I can now share it with my students!
How did this program prepare you for your job?
Again, I am go grateful and lucky to have been able to attend Humboldt. I feel that it was such a great place for me. I had played trumpet in band from seventh-10th grade, but unfortunately my music program was cut so that is all the knowledge I had. Thankfully HUmboldt and the Music Department allowed me to major in music and eventually music education, and become fully prepared to be a K-12 music teacher. I started with basic knowledge in music and progressed every semester/year to become proficient in all aspects of music education. It was not an easy task for me but I made it! I am thankful to all of my professors, mentors, peers, and everyone who helped in my journey and pushed me to achieve my dream!
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I would let prospective students know that this program is definitely for you if you prefer small city/classes and the music department will prepare you to become a successful music educator! Of course, as with anything in life, it will be a challenge and you'll have to put in 100% effort but it will be worth it! Also, bonus if you love the ocean, beautiful trees, cloudy weather, majestic sunny days, and friendly and interesting people!