Tim Decker is an alumni of Santa Rosa High School, graduating in 1998. He was inspired by the great music educators that he had at SRHS; Mark Wardlaw, Dan Earl, and Nick Xenelis, to pursue music education with hopes of inspiring students in the same way that they inspired him. After graduation from SRHS he continued studying music at SRJC with Dan Goulart, and at Sacramento State University, where he studied Music Education with an emphasis in Instrumental Conducting with Dr. Robert Halseth, and Tuba and Trombone performance with Julian Dixon and Joel Elias. As a performer and conductor Mr. Decker has had the privilege of performing with bands, orchestras, and choirs in some of the greatest venues, including Carnegie Hall, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, on the field at Oracle Park, and down Main Street in Disneyland. He has also performed with John Faddis, Steve Smith, Bill Watrous, Conrad Herwig, Bobby Shue, Mike Vax, and Ronald Romm.
Mr. Decker has been honored to be recognized as the Prudential Education Foundation Outstanding Teacher in 2009, The Rohnert Park Patch Reader’s Choice Best Teacher in 2012, and was twice awarded the SF Giants and Wells Fargo Step up to the Plate for Education Grant. After 14 years teaching high school music in Sonoma County, Mr. Decker is excited to once again be a Panther. |