Tim Staump: Harmonizing Community and Music in Santee

In the heart of Santee, California, a city known for its small-town friendliness, vibrant community, and active local engagement, stands a figure who has woven his life’s passion for music with an unyielding commitment to his hometown. Tim Staump, founder of Staump Music School and Chairman of the Santee Street Fair, embodies the spirit of community involvement and the profound impact it can have on a local scale.

Early Roots in Santee

Tim's musical journey and community engagement originated during his early school-age years at Lakeview Elementary School. Here, he had his first encounter with the exhilaration of playing in a band. This initial experience ignited a passion that would steadfastly accompany him throughout his education journey. As he progressed to Tierra Del Sol Middle School, he diligently cultivated his musical talents. Eventually, his journey led him to Santee, where he attended Cajon Park School, consistently nurturing his enthusiasm for music and community engagement.Tim's transition to West Hills High School marked a significant period in his life, where he not only graduated in 2000 but also expanded his involvement in the arts by participating in both band and choir. These formative years at West Hills High School deepened his connection to Santee, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong promise to enrich his community. Tim reflects with great pride and a sense of belonging, “Growing up in Santee, this community is home to me."

A Symphony of Education and Community

In 2008, Tim transformed his love for music into a concrete reality by establishing Staump Music School. At the end of every Staump Music School concert, he fondly shares with the audience the story of the school’s humble beginnings. He recounts that it all began in his grandmother’s living room in Lakeside and eventually transitioned to a commercial establishment in Santee. His dream was to offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality music education to the local community. Tim explains his desire to create an accessible and inclusive music school by stating, “there was a lack of opportunities to learn to play, perform and record music locally. I wanted to build an environment that could provide these chances for the next generation of budding musicians.” Staump Music School adopts a holistic and personalized approach to music education. It focuses on the individuality and creative potential of each student. Their teaching philosophy extends beyond mere technical skills. Each music educator at Staump emphasizes the importance of personal expression and the joy of music-making. Staump Music School ensures that learning music is an enriching and transformative experience by fostering an environment where students can thrive both musically and personally.

This venture did more than just bridge a void in local arts education - it became a vital hub for community engagement. As Tim's stature within the Santee community rose, so did his participation in community projects, especially with the Santee Chamber of Commerce. His active involvement as a board member for the past six years and his contributions to the executive committee have been noteworthy.

Leading the Santee Street Fair

Tim’s commitment to Santee took on a more visible role when he became the Chair of the Santee Street Fair in 2017. Having been mentored by Pat Chambers, a founding member of the fair, Tim took the helm with a vision to transform the event into a showcase of local talent and business. Under his leadership, the fair has flourished, becoming a key event in the city’s calendar that celebrates the community spirit and entrepreneurial zest of Santee. “Our students and families look forward to the Street Fair every year for a chance to perform in the heart of their community,” Tim shares, underscoring the fair’s significance as more than just an event - it’s a vibrant celebration of local culture and talent. Tim’s unique dual role in music education and community leadership allows him to incorporate a distinctive perspective into his responsibilities. He often intertwines these roles, crafting a more enriching and inclusive experience for all who participate.

Philosophy of Community Engagement

For Tim, the importance of community transcends the mere act of gathering. It is about building a support system that fosters mutual growth and enrichment. Drawing parallels between musical harmony and communal cooperation, Tim elaborates that “ultimately, community is the heartbeat of society. Similar to the musical world, in our local community we learn the art of collaboration which allows us to realize that diverse perspectives can enrich our collective wisdom.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of Tim’s work, from teaching young musicians to spearheading community events. His efforts extend beyond the confines of the music school, impacting broader community initiatives. Tim's role in the Chamber and activities like the Santee Street Fair have reciprocated benefits, enhancing both his business and the local business ecosystem.

Staump Music School has been an integral part of the Santee community for over 16 years. In recognition of their significant contributions and as a testament to their excellence and commitment to the community, Staump Music School was honored as the Santee Business of the Year in 2021. Furthermore, Tim recently received the prestigious 2023 Santee Chamber Chairman Award. This accolade was presented by the outgoing Chamber president, Melissa Dombo of Raceway Electric and Solar, highlighting his outstanding leadership and continuous efforts to enhance the cultural landscape of Santee.

Legacy and Future Endeavors

Tim’s journey is not just about his own achievements but also about how he can leverage his success for community benefit. Before the pandemic, Staump Music School provided a free Choir program for nine years. This program played a crucial role in making music education accessible to children throughout San Diego County, regardless of their financial limitations. When the pandemic began, Staump Music School had paused their free Choir Program, as it was not feasible to have many students joining a virtual choir lesson at the time. Four years later, Tim still stands by his commitment to make music accessible to all. As the current CFO of the Elev8 Arts Foundation, which was cofounded alongside Darcy Fagerwold - who is the owner of Expressions Dance and Movement Center - Tim is leading the initiative to revive the free choir program through the foundation. This initiative will ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop their musical talents without barriers. Ultimately, all kids deserve the chance to feel seen or be recognized for their talents that sometimes a regular school education doesn’t necessarily capture. For the three minutes that a student is on stage performing, they feel like a rockstar and that feeling will hopefully follow them regardless of whether or not they choose to pursue a career in music when they are older.

Looking ahead, Tim remains dedicated to his dual role as an educator and community leader. His involvement with the non-profit Elev8 the Arts speaks to his broader goals of making arts accessible to all, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to learn and grow within their communities. Tim Staump’s story is a testament to the power of combining one’s passions with a commitment to community service. It illustrates how personal interests, when aligned with the collective good, can lead to meaningful change and lasting impact. As Tim aptly puts it, “Santee has given so much to me; I just want to give back in every way I can.”

To discover more about Tim's initiatives and opportunities at Staump Music School, or to see his students perform at the upcoming Santee Street Fair on May 25th and The City of Santee’s Friday Night’s Live on May 31st, visit StaumpMusicSchool.com.

Kristy Parcells, Proud Parent - Staump Music School