Young Alumni Success

Making Beautiful Music in Farmington

James Golden (MED 19 GC 15 BS 12) is the director of the choir program at Piedra Vista High School (PVHS) in Farmington, New Mexico. James said his learning continues, even after earning his degrees and teaching for eight years.

“PVHS has a history of excellence that I have the joy of continuing. This makes me push harder, prepare better and raise the level of expectation for the choir,” James said.

James is also the Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Farmington, where they have been holding online services since March. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected how he is preparing for the upcoming school year.

“The plan is to offer in school and online instruction, and the students and parents will choose in which they will participate,” James said. “We still don’t have much direction for choir. We are waiting on results from an aerosol study and guidance from the powers that be.”

Why does James enjoy teaching choir and music to young men and women?

“I feel that I am most impressed by music in general and its ability to bring so many different types of people together for a greater good,” he said. “Getting to work with musicians of all ages, races, and walks of life both in and out of the classroom is one of the biggest blessings.”