RICARDO FUENTES
Nurture Inspire Empower
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.”
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
ABOUT
Nurture, Inspire, and Empower. These are the three principles that nourish my teaching philosophy. My goal as a director is to motivate students beyond what they deem possible and establish a culture of success that transcends our daily music making in the band room. The purpose lies in making exemplary students for our society and allowing band to be the vehicle that leads them there. I got into this career because nothing helps me feel more fulfilled than to help nurture the souls of young individuals, to inspire young hearts, and empower the minds of future leaders. The goal is to become better each day. It will be the small victories that become catalysts for future success. Our journey can be defined by three simple words: "Don't give up!" This is the most simple and basic component of life: OUR STRUGGLES DETERMINE OUR SUCCESS. Let us embrace the moments when things seem too uncomfortable, too tough, too painful, and too unbearable for these are the moments that will help us grow most.
"Mr. Fuentes is by far the most memorable and influential teacher that I’ve ever had. His knowledge and passion for music was inspirational and made for such an amazing learning experience. He was genuinely kind and invested in his students’ success; he always believed in my capabilities and pushed me to do my best. He is one of the most hard-working and genuine people that I have ever met, and I never doubted that he only wanted the best for me and the rest of my peers."
Abigail Martinez, Clarinet (Class of 2020)
Testimonials
To see what other students, colleagues, and band parents are saying, please click the following!
Philosophy
Students are a reflection of their teacher. Model the habits you want your students to learn. Build and honor relationships as a foundation in your classroom. Allow students to be proud of building something spectacular and let them take ownership of their own success. If this is treated as a foundation the content learning will happen effortlessly.
We hold our truth in becoming an ensemble filled with capable, energetic, and strong-willed individuals who TOGETHER create synergy, passion, and artistry. TOGETHER we reimagine, we repave, and redefine what it means to be excellent people and excellent musicians. Our tradition lies in seeking excellence. Our journey is to become better each day. When we fall, we fall TOGETHER but TOGETHER we pull each other up.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go TOGETHER." - African Proverb
