Steve Engel has been an Instrumental Music Teacher with the Bakersfield City School District since August of 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas with a concentration in Jazz Studies/Composition. He later earned his Master’s degree and teaching credential from California State University, East Bay (formerly CSU Hayward).
In January 2016, the Kern County Music Educators Association awarded Steve with the Elementary Specialist award for his outstanding work with BCSD.
Steve currently serves as Academic Coach in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. This role involves supporting the district’s 25+ music and art teachers, as well as assisting in the coordination of the district’s language arts events. In his previous role as instrumental music teacher, he taught wind, strings, and percussion instruments to students in grades 3 – 8. He has also taught private saxophone lessons to intermediate and advanced level students, specializing in jazz styles and improvisation.
At the outset of his teaching career, Steve taught at Livermore High School. The teaching load with this job also involved working with elementary students, and it was here he discovered the joy of working with beginners.
Steve is an active composer and arranger, specializing in works for young musicians.
While in high school, Steve was selected as one of two Californians in the McDonald’s All-American Band and Jazz Band. These groups performed on nationally televised events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
Steve, his wife, and their children reside in Bakersfield, CA.
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