This month, we’re introducing you to another one of our amazing instructors, Joanna Ramirez! Joanna is a multi-instrumentalist and music education all-star who recently joined our regular Saturday staff teaching sectionals and music theory, and has also played a key role in helping establish a new DCPS site for Prelude, DCYOP’s after-school program, at John Lewis Elementary School, where she is a full-time music teacher.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland. I am a very proud product of Prince George’s County!
How did you get started on your instrument?
I initially played alto saxophone in elementary school but after a poor experience, I had decided to give it up. My older sister was in the marching band in high school, and she was also a first chair violinist in the orchestra. I admired my older sister and her friend group a lot, so even though I had given up music after elementary school I knew that I wanted to be in the marching band when I got to high school. It’s important to note that my high school is a visual and performing arts high school, which means that the more elite ensemble required an audition for entry. During my sophomore year in high school, I was granted the opportunity to join the beginner band because I had no playing experience, and I spent that year learning how to play the saxophone. The director of the VPA Band, Mr. Antony Townes, encouraged me to audition for the magnet program and thankfully enough, I passed the audition! However, he made it very clear to me that I would be switching to the oboe and that it would require a lot of hard work and dedication. I spent my junior and senior year in high school learning how to play the oboe and doing my best to keep up with the high-level musicians in the ensemble. While I admit that there was definitely a learning curve, that experience lit a fire under me that I felt was necessary for me to grow as a musician and as a person.
Did you always want to become a professional musician/teacher? What was your path (did you play in youth orchestra growing up, study music in college, have you pursued other careers, etc.)?
I never thought that I would end up being a music educator! In fact, when I started my undergraduate career at Howard University I went in as a criminology major. After my freshman year, I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine, Christian Adkins, who was the drum major of the marching band at the time, about the reason why he chose to study music education. Everything that he said really resonated with me and he encouraged me to go talk to Dr. Benita Gladney, the advisor of the music education department. I had a conversation with her over the summer, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be a music educator! I knew that being a criminology major was very under stimulating for me and as soon as I began my music classes, it felt like what I should have always been doing.
How long have you taught at DCYOP and what is one of your favorite memories?
I am currently the music teacher at John Lewis Elementary School which has an after-school music program thanks to the DCYOP. Last year was my first ever year as a music educator, and thankfully enough I was able to establish a relationship with the DCYOP through the after-school program. I did sub as needed for different sessions on Saturdays, but this year is my first year as an educator on their staff for the Saturday program!
Deciding on a favorite memory is difficult because there are so many different things that I can choose from! I will say that my favorite outcomes were being able to meet and work with DCYOP Program Manager, Tim Provost, and having students stick with the program no matter how hectic things got throughout the school year.
What do you like most about teaching?
To be honest, teaching feels very natural to me. Coming to work is not something dreadful for me, in fact sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m at work! Teaching music feels like something that I’m supposed to be doing, and it feels like I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose when I teach. While I have faced many challenges, such as funding, behavioral issues, and all the things that come with being an educator, I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to create unique ways to teach music and I’ve enjoyed being able to allow my students to experience music in different ways.
Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?
That’s a tough question for me to answer, but I would have to say that my favorite performers are my friends. I love watching my peers perform because it always reminds me of how far each of us have come in our musical journeys.
What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?
I know that I would be basic if I said First Suite in E-flat (by Gustav Holst)…but it truly holds such a special place in my heart! It reminds me of my time in high school and how different my life was back then. Other than that, I would have to say that my favorite piece of music is the finale of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. I’ve loved this since the first time I got to play it in high school! The timpani part was what always keeps me hooked!
What are your interests outside of music?
Truthfully, I don’t really have many hobbies outside of music, but I am trying to find some! I do enjoy playing tennis but I have to admit that I’m not as good as I was when I was on the tennis team in high school!
Where is your favorite place to go for fun/what is your favorite thing to do in DC?
Truthfully… I am always at work! I don’t usually have that much down time but when I do, I love to try out new ramen or pho spots!
What do you like most about teaching?
Do you do perform/teach outside of DCYOP?