Eli Plares

Professional Biography

I attended Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, California, where I received my Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies in 2020. During my time at Vanguard, I had opportunities to not only perform with various music groups, but also to teach music to students in both private and group settings. Shortly after graduation and amidst a global pandemic, God opened the door for me to teach a Zoom jazz masterclass for some of the SJCS band students, which turned into an offer to become the band director at SJCS.

Personal Biography

I am a San Jose native and, apart from my four years in Southern California, have called San Jose home for my whole life. I have called my church, Mount Pleasant Christian Center, home for my entire life as well. When I am not playing or teaching music, I enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, whether it be camping, running, hiking, or going to the beach.

Christian Philosophy of Education

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding Cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing Cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150 ESV).

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23 ESV).

These two sets of verses sum up what I believe to be my job as a Christian music teacher. Psalm 150 shows us that as musicians, we are to use our God-given gifts to bring Him praise. Paul also encourages us in Colossians to, “work heartily, as for the Lord.” As fun as it is for young musicians to bang on a drum or honk on a saxophone, the Bible tells us to use AND develop our gifts and talents for the glory or the Lord.