My name is Diego Zarate and I was born and raised in Merced, California. I am a 2008 graduate of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, California where I played clarinet in the school’s band program. As a student, my junior year in high school was my all time favorite year because the band was able to travel to Hawaii. Before becoming a music teacher in the Madera Unified School District, I worked as a musician in pit orchestras and taught clarinet privately. All of these experiences took part in why I decided to become a music teacher. When I am not teaching, I like to travel with friends and family. Sharing new experiences with my loved ones is very important to me. A few of my hobbies are playing ping-pong and board games when I have time. One of my favorite places to visit is Chicago, Illinois because of the Band and Orchestra convention that takes place there every January. It is nice to reunite with all of my band director buddies every year. I have always wanted to visit and perform in the Sydney Opera House in Australia. One thing I want my students to take away from my classes is that they are capable of experiencing everything I did, plus more. I want to give them the knowledge and tools they need to enjoy their lives in whatever they decide to do for years to come.