About the Director

Mr. Wong first came to American High School in the fall of 1993, serving as the walk-on after school Band Director, with the help of the Band Parents Organization. During that year, the Marching Band and Flag Team were invited to perform exclusively at Newpark Mall for Ohlone College's Black and White Ball. The Band also placed 3rd at Pacific Grove in field show competition, a fitting way to end the marching season. This was the first time in its history that American had placed in field competition and a strong testament to the efforts of the Senior class that year.

In 1995, Mr. Wong returned to build the music program and received NUMMI's Most Promising New Teacher Grant. He started an elementary instrumental music program after school in the American High attendance area in 1996 and brought jazz workshop to students as a class in 1997.

Under his direction, the Concert Choir received an Excellent rating at CMEA Festival in 1998, and both Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble received Excellent ratings at CMEA in 1999.

Mr. Wong has received a Fremont Education Foundation grant to bring technology to music students. In the 1999-00 school year, he served as a Technology Mentor through a grant from the Fremont Unified School District and computer chip maker Intel. In February 2000, Mr. Wong was recognized as the PTSA Founder's Day Award winner for the 1999-2000 school year. More recently, he was recognized as one of the December 2003 Staff Members of the Month.

The Band recorded its first CD in the winter of 2001. The Jazz Ensemble started holding annual Jazz Dinner Dances in the spring of 2001.

In the spring of 2001, the band made its first appearance at the Disneyland Music in the Parks Festival. In spring 2002 and 2003, the band returned to Disneyland, bringing along the Jazz Ensemble and the Concert Choir, as well.

The music program's growth helped Mr. Wong create a year-long Symphonic Band and Concert Band during the 2001-2002 school year. The Symphonic Band received a rating of Unanimous Superior at CMEA, in its first year, spring 2002. The younger Concert Band received an Excellent rating at CMEA, as well. In Spring 2003, the Symphonic Band received a Superior rating at the NCBA Band Festival and the younger Concert Band received an Excellent rating, as well.

The music program has grown and expanded to include Winter Percussion in 2003 and Winter Guard in 2004.

Mr. Wong received his B.A. in Music at U.C. Berkeley, and his teaching credential and M.A. in Music at CSU, Hayward. In addition to teaching at the high school level, he teaches elementary band through the Fremont Education Foundation and remains active as a performer and as a lifelong learner.

"I would not be where I am today without the support of the students, past and present, parents, and staff. I am honored to work with the students. They are the future."