Maya Aquino, Senior Music Education Major and violinist, will be entering her credential studies next fall and hopes to be a middle or high school teacher of instrumental music. One of the highlights of her undergraduate experiences at SDSU has been her CMP Fellowship at Bell Middle School, San Diego Unified. Maya once attended Bell Middle School and now works with Mr. Richard Opina in his instrumental music classes. Maya says,

"Mr. Opina has provided me with mentoring, feedback, and many opportunities to work with the students in small groups/sectionals and with the whole ensemble. He has given me advice on what I can do to improve and all his feedback is delivered positively. His guidance has helped me see where I can improve and become a better, more efficient music educator. He has given me advice about things such as where to rent the best instruments, and he has also given me alot of advice on non-musical things that are required of a teacher, such as paperwork and "politics." His mentoring has been very helpful and useful to me."

Mr. Opina treasures having Maya in his classroom. He is particularly grateful for her expertise in string instruction. Note the enthusiasm in his comments about Maya's work.

"Maya has been a great addition to my advanced orchestra. Because she plays violin she has been able to lead sectionals on a regular basis. In a class of 50, her presence helps a lot. My advanced orchestra sounds much better this year with Maya working with the kids. I have given her a piece to lead and she is doing a good job. When in class she helps tune, sometimes leads warm-ups, and does minor repairs. The best moment came when I was rehearsing "Dance of the Tumblers". As I was working on a particular spot she was able quickly assess what the students needed to do. In this case it was "more bow". Recently the students have asked, is Miss Maya coming to lead sectionals?"