Introducing Instrumental Music at COCOSPA
Taught by Ms. Brittany Shankle
About
It All Starts Here
Whether your goal is to strive to achieve more on your current instrument or simply to learn more about music using an instrument, Instrumental Music at COCOSPA is the perfect place to build the foundation. We’re dedicated to teaching the skills and providing the hands-on experience necessary for successful futures, both personally and professionally. Take a look through our site to learn more.
About Ms. Shankle
Ms. Shankle has been involved with instrumental music since the age of nine. Her beginning instrument was violin, but she has picked up almost every instrument since. Having always attended schools in the Bay Area, she has a wealth of knowledge regarding great private teachers and can also recommend great collegiate music programs - in and out of California. As a hobby, Ms. Shankle joined a heavy metal band with which she has gone on several successful cross-country tours. She would love to be able to coach young musicians in the ways of that industry, as well as their existing classical or jazz roots.
Ms. Shankle attended San Francisco State University where she received a Bachelors of Music in Education. This program is specialized in that pedagogy classes are built into the curriculum. In addition, Ms. Shankle attends the two large state conferences for music educators every year so that the newest studies and topics in music education become a part of her teachings.
Ms. Shankle is a proud member of the National Association for Music Education.
Courses Offered
2019-2020
Period 3: High School Jazz Band
Period 4: Middle School Jazz Band
Period 5: Middle School Chamber Orchestra
Period 6: High School Chamber Orchestra
Period 7: Musicianship III/IV
Period 8: Contemporary Combos
The Artist-Scholar Credo
As an artist-scholar at SPA:
I humble myself by entering each space with the mind of the beginner.
I believe that talent is not a substitute for training.
I understand that disappointment and discomfort can lead towards mastery and self-discovery.
I commit myself to the creation of meaningful, shared experiences.
I am always auditioning.
Upcoming Events
Chillin' in Autumn - Friday October 4th at 5pm Location: Front Lawn of COCOSPA
Winter Chamber Orchestra Concert - Tuesday December 17th at 7pm Location: Theater of COCOSPA
Winter Jazz Band Concert - Thursday December 19th at 7pm Location: Theater of COCOSPA
Valentines Concert - Tuesday February 11th at 5:30pm Location: Grant Street Pub and Pizzeria
Spring Chamber Orchestra Concert - Thursday May 28th at 7pm Location: Theater of COCOSPA
Spring Jazz Band Concert - Friday May 29th at 7pm Location: Theater of COCOSPA
Construction Update
July 3rd, 2019
Construction is coming along very nicely! We expect to hold all Instrumental Music Classes in our new Instrumental Room beginning on the first day of school, August 14th.
New Course Announced
July 3rd, 2019
"Contemporary Combos" has been added to the High School Curriculum! This class will be the new 8th period, replacing Conservatory Orchestra. More info to come this Fall!
Auditions for 2019-2020 School Year
June 2019
Auditions will happen on an individually scheduled basis over the summer. To schedule a placement audition please email Ms. Shankle at brittany.shankle@cocospa.org.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
-William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Contact
Ms. Shankle's Office Hours: TBA
2730 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek, CA, USA
School phone: 925-235-1130