Mr. Felver picked up the saxophone in 4th grade in Tracy, CA and hasn’t looked back.
Ripon High music lovers now have the chance to join Mr. Felver in his 18-year long passion for music since Felver has joined the tribe as Ripon High School’s new band teacher.
Felver participated in band all throughout high school. After two years at Delta College, he pursued a degree in music education at CSU Chico. After graduating, Felver taught at Kimball High School in Tracy and now has joined the RHS staff.
Students in the band world would argue that “band is life,” and Felver would definitely agree. When he isn’t in the classroom, Felver is preparing to be in the classroom. Many band events occur outside of the school day, but Felver is passionate about his profession and loves spending time with his students performing and giving back to the community. The band program has already performed at football games and helped park cars for Ripon events this school year.
Felver loves music first and foremost, but he also enjoys teaching. His desire to teach began in high school, where he would often help his friends in class and lead study groups.
“I’ve always liked helping others,” Felver explained, “And I had a huge passion for music. I wanted to share that passion with other people. What better way than to teach them to be better at music so they can be as passionate about music as I am?”
Even though he loves band, his teaching philosophy focuses on equipping students to excel outside of the band room.
“I don’t teach music, I teach students. The subject matter that I teach, that isn’t what high school is about. They’re going to learn music one way or another. I’m teaching them how to be good students and successful people in life.”
Since first becoming a Ripon Indian, Felver has loved the administration.
“I love being with people who are excited about teaching and who want to genuinely teach and help kids. That’s why I do it, and it’s really nice to have my peers have that same mentality.”
In addition to teaching and music, Felver is fascinated with bow ties. He owns over 30 bow ties and sports a different one every day. He’ll gladly accept contributions to his collection under one condition: no clip-ons.
Stop by the music room if you want to give Mr. Felver a bow tie or welcome him to Ripon High School!
