Over the past few years, the Van Nuys Choir program has housed multiple instructors, with the most recent full-time teacher, Mrs. Alexis Weddle, resigning at the start of last year and her long-term substitute Mr. Shawn Wilson leaving at the end of the year to pursue his own music career. 

So, after a long search, VNHS has finally found a new permanent choir director! 

A California State University Northridge graduate and jazz vocalist, Ms. Deborah Tejada is excited to start her first year at Van Nuys. She aims to be not only a teacher, but a helping hand for her students in times of need. 

I sat down with her for 5 minutes to see who she is, and what exactly she has planned for her inaugural year at Van Nuys.

What genre is your expertise? What genre do you enjoy teaching?

I really love jazz, specifically the older stuff. People like Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter are amazing. It’s also my favorite genre to teach because of the creative aspect of it. You can use one note and do so much with it. From that you can branch off and do melodies, improvise ideas and build off of other singers.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I think building relationships is one of the things I’ve been looking forward to. This is the first high school that I’ve taught at full-time. I’ve taught elementary and middle school and I’ve subbed as well. I really like having a home in a school. 

What was the defining moment when you knew “I wanted to be a musician.”?

I think for me it was middle school. I began violin to get out of class. You know, those classes where they’re like, ‘Oh, you can get out of math if you do orchestra.’ I went just to get out of class but I ended up really loving it.