Now in his seventh year with the District, Justin Wong teaches fifth graders at Geddes, Kenmore, and Walnut elementary schools, and high school students at Baldwin Park High School. Wong's commitment to music education and his students has earned him a reputation for creating structured, high-expectation environments where students thrive.
Wong's journey to becoming a music educator shifted during his college years, where he initially pursued a degree in physical therapy. However, he soon realized that balancing his passion for music and his science courses was challenging. "I found myself wanting to practice music for three hours a day instead of studying science," he explained. With encouragement from mentors, including his college orchestra conductor and experiences with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Wong shifted his focus to music and earned a Bachelor of Music in violin performance in 2001 and a Master of Music in violin performance in 2006, both from CSU Long Beach. Later, he obtained a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Music in 2015.
One of Wong's key contributions is ensuring that every fifth grader at his elementary sites receives a music education. "I teach ALL fifth graders so that no student leaves my sites without the opportunity of a music education," Wong emphasized. He noted one teacher was initially skeptical, but by the end of the year, she reported that her students had reached their ELA and math goals in ways she had never seen before. "I think giving students time to explore through music education, a little different from their usual day-to-day learning environment, is incredibly valuable."
His classes are known for being well-structured, with students self-starting and maintaining a high level of respect. "I think students learn best when they have a little space to try and work it out for themselves," Wong said. He focuses on giving clear instruction and then allowing students time to practice at their own pace. "I also encourage them to ask questions so that they feel comfortable to learn." Beyond musical skills, Wong hopes his students take away a larger lesson from his classes. "The thing about a music class is it opens you up to something you may have never thought about doing." For his high school students, Wong encourages them to see that the music industry offers many career paths beyond performing. "I want them to love music but also see all the other roles that are out there—president of a music label, finance jobs, museums, sound mixers... You can still be involved in the industry without having to be the performer."
Wong is proud to have witnessed many of his students grow, both musically and personally. "I love seeing a student start in fifth grade and progress through high school," Wong said. "Watching them find their passions and think about their futures is more fulfilling than anything they learn musically."
In addition to his teaching, Wong and his fellow music teachers have benefited from Baldwin Park Unified’s recent $900,000 grant through the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant. This funding allowed the District to purchase new instruments, including violins, cellos, and basses, ensuring students have access to quality materials.
Looking ahead, Wong advocates for expanding K-12 arts education opportunities. "It’s a tragedy for students to go through their first six years of school without formal music or arts education," he said. He encourages parents to be involved in school site council and District meetings to voice support for these programs.
Wong’s dedication to music education continues to inspire his students, showing them that the skills they learn through music can open doors to a wide range of opportunities in their future.
PHOTOS:
BPHS_Music1 - BPHS_Music5: BPUSD teacher Justin Wong teaches Baldwin Park High School Orchestra class.
Geddes_Music1 - Geddes Music5: BPUSD teacher Justin Wong teaches Geddes Elementary 5th graders to play the violin.