By Krystal Klassen

Ms. Nevin, Lincoln High School’s orchestra teacher, accepted a position with the Sweetwater School District this past October at the Chula Vista School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). While faculty and students were not very happy about the announcement, it is a great opportunity for her to move up in the field of music.

After knowing Ms. Nevin for five years, Mrs. Richardson offered some insight into their close friendship. “I am very happy [about her promotion], she is brilliant,” said. Mrs. Richardson.  She also shared how the new band teacher, Mr. Beller, was highly recommended by Ms. Nevin herself. Mr. Beller and Mrs. Nevin have known each other for many years and she is very confident that he will do his job to the best of his abilities.

Ms. Nevin has been teaching orchestra for six years and band for about 30.

Her words of wisdom to her students would be that she loves them and they know what they are doing. “You’re responsible for your own education,” said Nevin. “You’ll be great.”

“I feel that she will have an enjoyable time there. Just come visit more often,” said senior Keion Bradley.

“This position was advertised state-wide via state music, visual art, and drama education association email blasts and website job postings,” said Russ Sperling, head of Visual and Performing Arts for the Sweetwater School District.  “We picked Ms. Nevin for her broad background in all of the arts disciplines, her knowledge of how academic literacy can be taught through the arts, her classroom experience and demonstrated leadership throughout her years at Lincoln and Hoover High School.  The interview committee liked the great energy she brought to the table and we are thrilled to have her in our district.”

With happiness written all over her face, Ms. Nevin shared that she has found a home in band. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the best or the worst player,” she said, “Those are great people to surround yourself with, teamwork.”

She will have more work and may have to leave some of the people and students she loves, but  Nevin feels that the opportunity was too good to pass by.  Although Ms. Nevin works for a new school district, she has the opportunity to still teach at Lincoln for sixth period, the advanced band.

“Hopefully, I’ll do some teacher training and I guess I’d make a bigger impact on the arts and their place in California education,” said Ms. Nevin about her new position.

While some may have difficulty picking their favorite instrument to teach and play, Ms. Nevin has made it perfectly clear; “The trombone cause it’s cool, or nerdy,” she said, “I actually played the flute and saxophone but I just love playing the trombone. There’s just something about it.”