Today we’d like to introduce you to Guillermo Gonzalez.
Hi Guillermo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started teaching somewhat by accident. I wanted to leave my previous job and knew they were hiring teachers at Garfield (my alma mater), so I decided to come and inquire. That turned into an interview with then-Principal Maria Tostado and I got hired on the spot. I put in my two weeks’ notice with my former employer and have been here since (October 1995). I started as a special education teacher and have worked here as a Health and Math teacher, coach for volleyball, basketball, tennis and softball, served as the Athletic Director and am currently directing the mariachi and also work as a college advisor in the college center. My students and my colleagues have shaped me into the person I am. I have an especially strong bond with my mariachi students, as we spend a lot of time together in rehearsals and performances.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Education is never a smooth road, but that’s what helps shape us as educators. We have to be able to adapt to changing leadership and ever-changing guidelines. Remote teaching was very difficult as well during the pandemic. Trying to teach an ensemble when only one person can be heard at a time was frustrating. We had to learn to adapt and were still able to perform virtually with the help of technology. Starting a mariachi program after it was non-existent was also a difficult task. Most of the instruments and uniforms had disappeared and we started with instruments I owned. With a class of over 45 students, it has been a task to be able to work with all of the students (some of whom are learning how to play their instrument and some have been with me for four years) in a one-hour period before school and keep everyone challenged.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a college advisor in Garfield’s college center and am also the Mariachi Director. I love to help students realize they not only have the potential to go to college but that they also have the tools to succeed. As a music educator, I enjoy being able to help students find their hidden talents. Most of our students have never touched an instrument before they join our program and many are still continuing with music in college. As a college advisor, I am most proud of witnessing the growth of my students academically and hearing from them after they graduate from college. As a mariachi director, I am most proud of my sons, who were founders of our mariachi program and were the ones who taught many of our students how to play their first instrument. I am also proud of the many students that have come through our program and have developed a love for music.
I love what I do and I love making a difference in our student’s lives.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t know if I have one favorite childhood memory. I did however, write a memoir “Memo-ries: A Memoir: Growing up in East L.A.” that shares a few of my stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.garfieldhs.org
- Instagram: @ghs.mariachi
- Facebook: Mariachi Los Alanos
