A child of educators, Sarah McClimon grew up in beautiful Humboldt County. After studying Music Education at St. Olaf College where she received Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, Sarah moved to Hawaii and earned MA and PhD in Ethnomusicology at University of Hawaii, Manoa, with research in Japan supported by the Ministry of Education and Japan Foundation. She taught at College of Comparative Cultures, University of Tsukuba in Japan.Sarah taught band, choir and music technology at Fortuna High School and now teaches band, strings and jazz at Thomas S. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton CA. She was profoundly influenced by her music teachers, notably Mike and Ruth McClimon, Judi Sharnberg, Ray Souza, Timothy Mahr and Ricardo Trimillos."Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to be creative, inspire students and help them find joy in learning each day. As a world music specialist, I hope to foster appreciation for the many voices and musical styles in my classroom. Music education invites us to embrace our humanity and connect with one another."