Music Teacher Named Outstanding Jazz Educator

Developing the talent of budding young musicians has been Fred Lee’s life work. As an instrumental music director in Sweetwater Schools for 21 years, he’s led his students to earn the highest ratings as district, local and regional music festivals. Now it’s Mr. Lee’s turn to be honored. He has been recognized with the 2012 State Outstanding Jazz Educator Award by the California Association for Music Education for his exceptional teaching and work with student music ensembles.


“We are so proud of the quality teaching that Fred Lee has provided to Sweetwater District music students over the course of his career with us,” said Russ Sperling, district director of Visual and Performing Arts. “He is truly an outstanding music educator, and his expertise in jazz is clearly worthy of this state award.”

Under his direction, Lee’s student groups have performed at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm. In 2003, his students were invited to perform at the Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival.

“Fred Lee is a world-class music instructor,” said School Board President Pearl Quiñones. “He has inspired hundreds of students through music and because of their involvement in the music program, increased their commitment to school and spurred their achievement.”

Lee’s career as a music educator has spanned more than 30 years in public schools. He also has three decades experience as a conductor of community ensembles. In addition to teaching at Rancho del Rey, he has been the music director of the Coronado Concert Band for the past 15 years. Lee is Assistant Conductor and a percussionist in the Coastal Communities Concert Band in Encinitas. In 2011, he joined the conducting and teaching staff of Orquesta Manuel Maria Gutierrez (the National Youth Orchestra) of Costa Rica.

Previously, Lee was recognized as Outstanding Music Educator by the CMEA Southern Border Section. He received the “Hats Off to Teachers” award for his contribution to music education from the San Diego County Office of Education and was Teacher of the year at Mar Vista Middle School.

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