Since becoming Music Director in 2004, John Mattern has tripled enrollment, mentoring hundreds of students and encouraging a lifelong study and love of music. Classical music station KDFC named Mattern 2006 Music Educator of the Year, selecting him from among 600 school music teachers in Northern California. Mattern was first drawn into music as a sax player at age 12. He got serious at age 17 when he took up the 5 string banjo and bluegrass music, and ultimately went on to earn a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory. An eclectic multi-instrumentalist, John is proficient in classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues and Americana genres. Learn more at www.johnmattern.com.
Redwood High’s Music Department offers students an outstanding opportunity to learn and excel in a variety of musical experiences – and to take that skill well into adulthood. Students explore music in three primary genres: jazz, classical, and commercial/pop. Every class focuses on theory, performance, appreciation, and practice. The emphasis is on striving for one’s personal best, developing musicianship, and becoming a humble, focused, grateful person in the process. All participants gain exposure to professional guest musicians and teachers, and attend fieldtrips to the SF Symphony, SF Jazz Center, Yosemite Valley and beyond. Students gain experience in both solo and ensemble work, performing for parents, peers, and the broader community. Having gained a reputation for excellence in the community, Redwood music students are frequently invited to perform at events throughout Marin. Numerous graduates have gone on to study music in college, and to find success as professional musicians.
The Redwood Concert Band performs at San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Hume Hall, November 2017. In addition to performing as a class on-campus and off, students have the option of forming small ensembles or giving solo performances.