Claire Tongpalad
San Diego,CA
Summary
Tenacious music educator committed to excellence in education. Performance-driven music educator focused on evaluating and creating assessments and curriculum for secondary music programs. Possesses an outstanding communication skills and the ability to work with all stakeholders of the learning process to create a valuable, cohesive, and innovative experience for students.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Band Director
San Diego School Of Creative And Performing Arts
San Diego, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Monitored student progress based on detailed weekly lesson plans and assessments.
- Curriculum and assessment design
- Planned multiple concerts/performances yearly and marketed concerts to students, parents and general public.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
Director of Instrumental Music
Orange Glen High School
Escondido, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Lead and instruct diverse ensembles: develop and implement curriculum, conduct rehearsals, and provide individualized instruction for beginner and advanced groups (concert band, jazz band, guitar ensembles, marching band).
- Organize and manage program administration and logistics: coordinate rehearsals, performances, and events; oversee budget, resources, and communication with students, parents, and administration.
- Foster student development and engagement: mentor students, cultivate leadership skills, and inspire motivation and teamwork across all ensembles.
Assistant Jazz Program Director
Francis Parker School
San Diego, CA
04.2023 - Current
- Handle marketing and promotion of the workshop to schools in the greater San Diego area.
- Visit school sites for workshop recruitment, general management of camp when in session.
- Handle clerical and administrative tasks, general and scholarship applications, etc.
Student Teacher – Band and Orchestra
Canyon Crest Academy
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Implement and present lesson plans according to established curriculum standards and requirements.
- Provide instruction in instrumental and general music and conduct the wind ensemble and string orchestra.
- Instruct and train band students in musicianship and performance activities.
Music Educator
San Diego State Performing Arts Troupe
San Diego, CA
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Create literacy themed performances and educational materials to form interactions and outreach with family audiences throughout San Diego County.
- Originally compose music and lyrics for all performance-related songs.
- Allows all participants to be both givers and receivers of music through helping others engage in music making.
Education
Single-Subject Teaching Credential - Music
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12.2023
Bachelor of Music - Music Education, Cum Laude
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05.2022
Associate of Arts - Music, Magna Cum Laude
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA05.2019
Skills
- Experienced in using Microsoft Office an learning management systems
- Instrumental Music Education
- Music Theorist
- Performance planning
- Public speaking
- Program development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Educational leadership
- Performance assessment
- Instructional design
Accomplishments
Revitalized a struggling music program within two years by rebuilding culture, increasing student engagement, and reestablishing music education as a valued and sustainable presence in the community.
Affiliations
- San Dieguito Union High School District
- Poway Unified School District
- Escondido Union High School District
- San Diego Unified School District
- National Association for Music Education
- California Music Educators Association
Certification
- California Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential (K–12), Education
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Band Director
San Diego School Of Creative And Performing Arts
08.2025 - Current
Director of Instrumental Music
Orange Glen High School
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Jazz Program Director
Francis Parker School
04.2023 - Current
Student Teacher – Band and Orchestra
Canyon Crest Academy
01.2023 - 05.2023
Music Educator
San Diego State Performing Arts Troupe
04.2021 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Music - Music Education, Cum Laude
San Diego State University
Associate of Arts - Music, Magna Cum Laude
Grossmont College
Single-Subject Teaching Credential - Music
San Diego State University
HONORS AND AWARDS
San Diego State University, Paul C. Stauffer Memorial Scholarship: A full ride scholarship awarded to candidates that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and successfully audition into the university with a performance that demonstrates great ability and aptitude on their instrument.,
Fall 2019 - Spring 2021, Dean’s List: Recognizes outstanding scholarship and academic achievement earning at least a 3.5 grade point average in the term while being enrolled full time.
Spring 2020 – Spring 2022, Grossmont College: Dean’s List, Recognizes outstanding scholarship and academic achievement earning at least a 3.5 grade point average in the term while being enrolled full time.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Reflective Induction for Secondary Educators
- Escondido Union High School District
- May 2025
- How to Create a Digital Music Production Course at Your School
- California All-State Music Education Conference
- February 2024
- Trauma-Informed Teaching in Music Education by Dr. T. Smith
- Boston University
- March 2022
- Educating the Future Music Professional Through Service-Learning by J. Scott
- National Association for Music Education
- Band Director Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Practical Solutions by R. J. Maxwell
- California Music Educators Association Conference
- February 2021
- Teaching Students to Teach Themselves: Guiding Students to Self-Correction by S. Smith
- Performances Under Pressure: Preparing Orchestra for Adjudication by Dr. L. Lewis