MARIBEL ALVAREZ-MUNOZ

Maribel Alvarez-Muñoz began her music studies at age nine. Her future teachers, Mrs. Ellie Tatton-Nelson and Mr. David Collum presented young 4th graders with the opportunity to learn string instruments. Even as her elementary school's only string student, and without a proper string program in high school, Maribel's sharp interest in the violin blossomed. 

Her continued enthusiasm led her to the Applied Music program at San Joaquin Delta College, where she studied violin with Dr. Myriam Cottin-Rack and choral music with Dr. Scott Bowen. She went on to attend Pacific's Conservatory of Music where she studied Music Education. Miss Alvarez-Muñoz is currently an educator for the Diocese of Stockton at Presentation Parish School, where she teaches Elementary General Music, Theatre Arts, and Spanish. 

Maribel is an active musician in a medley of ways. Her favorite performances include being an orchestra violinist for award-winning productions of "The Fiddler on the Roof, "Beauty and the Beast', and with the Beatles cover band "The Sun Kings". Maribel has also sung for the Stockton Chorale, played for local Mariachi's "Tesoro" and "Luz de Luna", and is a current member of the San Joaquin Ringers Handbell Choir. 

Teaching young people the beauty of music and its opportunities is Maribel's passion. Nothing makes her happier than to practice challenging pieces and perform side-by-side with her students past and present, using music as the vehicle for amazing collaborations across the fine arts. She believes the arts are a means to finding a greater value in ourselves, our abilities, and an appreciation for goals that are at the other side of hard work. 

When Maribel is not teaching or performing music, you can find her scouting for anything Lavender scented and drinking delicious (iced) coffee.