Music is a powerful tool of communication and community building. Azusa Pacific alumnus Jessie Bullock ’08 recognizes the benefits of music for his middle schoolers in Carlsbad. Working to support young students as they find themselves through band, orchestra, choir, and ASB, Bullock is helping to build the next generation of difference-makers.
Bullock’s hard work and dedication to his students were recently celebrated with the
California League of Middle Schools State Educator of the Year award. “I was so honored to be recognized for the work I do,” said Bullock.
From competing in band festivals to traveling to Petco Park to sing the national anthem
for the San Diego Padres to planning pep rallies on campus, Bullock fills students’
middle school experiences with amazing memories.
In his day-to-day life, Bullock manages a plethora of ensembles and responsibilities. “I wear a variety of hats,” said Bullock, “including teaching combined orchestra and band for beginners, advanced students, choir, ASB, and helping at the high school level with their musicals.” While some people might assume that teaching band, orchestra, and choir fall into similar categories, anyone who’s tried to wrangle middle schoolers into doing anything will tell you that they don’t. “With my beginners, it’s like trying to teach French and German simultaneously, just working on making cohesive noise with our instruments. My advanced students are working on pieces to play in the marching band at the high school, and choir is all about intonation and presence.” Each ensemble requires different focus, energy, and plans for various events. Bullock manages to run all of them within the seven-hour school day.
Bullock works hard to turn curious students into excited musicians. “I go from students
learning the basics of four spaces and five lines that indicate certain noises, and
making the first noise on their instrument,” said Bullock, “to now, they’re learning
Pomp and Circumstance for graduation.” But these students learn so much more in Bullock’s class than how
to play their instrument. “Music is connection, and it’s a place of no judgment in
my class,” said Bullock. “Middle school can be brutal, but all my students are starting
from the same beginning, a judgment-free zone with collaboration.” In an ensemble,
there is a trust between players, all working together to make a piece of music. Bullock
is putting in the work to teach students how to be team players and lead with kindness.
“It gives me an opportunity to use my faith in the classroom,” said Bullock.
Coming from a family of music educators, Bullock felt that he inadvertently joined the family business. Initially a music theory major at APU, Bullock was drawn to music education through his time in choir and ensembles. “I loved the community I built through being section leader in Men’s Chorale and the Chamber Singers. So I looked for a way to continue being in that same kind of community,” said Bullock. Inspired by the opportunity to lead worship at his church and the guidance of impactful faculty like Michelle Jensen, DMA , Bullock switched to music education. With support from APU connections, Bullock took on an education role after graduating and has been in the classroom since. “When I first started at middle school, I hosted a summer symposium of music teachers, learning from my peers how to be a band and orchestra director from this amazing group of people,” said Bullock.
Family has always been a big priority for Bullock. “I didn’t want to miss my kids growing up, and be stuck on campus from morning to night,” said Bullock. “Now I get the opportunity to raise up the next group of musicians for the high school, as well as directing the high school musical, working with those kids after they’ve grown up.” Bullock also makes sure to maintain his APU connections over the years. “I help with the Candlelight Choir of Azusa, an opportunity for anyone who’s been in a choir at APU to sing with us at Disneyland.” This annual celebration allows him to connect with old classmates and faculty, and see the new students on APU’s campus. “I loved the community I was able to form, and the relationships I created as a student,” said Bullock. “Now I get the chance to continue that tradition with old and new friends.”
As he continues his work in the classroom, Bullock fosters more curious and creative minds. “ I am so blessed to be in these kids’ lives, and have fun with creating every day,” said Bullock. “From band, to orchestra, and ASB, I get to create an environment where students are proud of the work they’ve done.” His experiences on APU’s campus helped Bullock be impactful in his classroom. “I really became a musician on campus, and now I get to help start more students on their music journey.” In addition to academics, APU helped foster a strong sense of faith in Bullock’s life. “Being in men's chorale under the guidance of Harold Clousing, I saw my faith grow,” said Bullock. “He was able to help us grow with Christ. He would tell us how to share Christ’s love through serving others.” Now Bullock gets to continue that journey, serving the students who walk into his classroom every day.