Teacher Profile: Rebecca Pomeroy
About Rebecca Pomeroy
Rebecca Pomeroy is an experienced music educator with a diverse background in music and education. She began as a voice student at the age of 5 singing in church and participating at the California State University Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory. She expressed a strong interest in violin and eventually began her studies at 32nd Street USC Performing Arts Magnet School and was moved over to the CSULA Music Conservatory where she studied violin, viola, cello and music theory all while participating in several performing ensembles.
After High School graduation she moved to Ellensburg, Washington and studied music and social science at Central Washington University. She studied viola under Scott Hosfeld, cello under John Michel, and piano and participated in the University Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Paul Elliot Cobbs. With her Bachelor of Arts in tow, she attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington to complete her teacher preparatory program with endorsements in general music, instrumental music, vocal music, elementary education and social studies. Ms. Pomeroy’s strong interest in education and learning led her to complete her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. In addition to violin, viola, cello, string bass and piano, Ms. Pomeroy has completed instrumental methods requirements for teaching band instruments such as flute and clarinet. She participated in string ensembles and quartets performing during the holidays and at weddings although her passion for performance is manifested in preparing her students for concerts; and district, state and regional contests and festivals.
During her first year as a classroom teacher, Ms. Pomeroy taught K-6 general music at Mesa Elementary in addition to directing the 5th and 6th grade bands. She also directed the choirs at Robert J. Olds Junior High School and Connell High School. After program cuts, she moved to Seattle to be near family and was part of a team to open a new Middle School in Federal Way, Washington where she was Music Department Head, Choir Director and Orchestra Director. Eventually she transferred to Lakeland Elementary to teach general music and musical theater. Ms. Pomeroy taught private string and piano lessons through Ted Brown Music in Tacoma, Washington. The opportunity arose for her to work in Kent Public Schools as an itinerant band and orchestra teacher, eventually settling into Scenic Hill Elementary as the Music Department head. Throughout her teaching career in Washington State, Ms. Pomeroy was a club advisor, Tri-M Music Honor Society advisor, and directed musicals as a culminating performance for her students.
Ms. Pomeroy relocated to Orlando, Florida in 2023 and has been working for Orange County Public Schools as a classroom teacher. She believes that all students are capable of learning and feels that in addition to instruction she coaches her students to teach them how to learn. Students are their primary teacher, but her role is to guide them in a process using metacognition and awareness of learning. “I want to see students think about their thinking and reflect on their learning. This will not only guide them through their musical education, but carry over into their academics and establish a foundation of resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that will make them strong members of society.” Learning an instrument is not only a creative and expressive outlet; it drives critical thinking and skills that carry over and sustain a lifetime.