One of the driving forces behind the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) top-notch musical program was recently honored on the state level.
In February, John Adams Middle School Director of Instrumental Music Angela Woo was presented with the prestigious 2024 California Music Educators Association Middle School Music Educator Award. Woo, who has worked at JAMS for 29 years, was commended for her contributions at the middle school level during the 2024 California All-State Music Education Conference in Sacramento.
Initially nominated for the award in September 2023 and selected as the recipient two months later, Woo initially didn’t have the words to describe her elation.
"I was shocked, because I know who all the past recipients have been, and I’ve always held those colleagues up on a pedestal … they’re amazing educators, to be a part of that group is deeply, deeply humbling, [I’m] so honored to be recognized for the work that I take great joy [in] every day," Woo said.
In addition to the state award, the Sacramento conference held what Woo called a "tremendous surprise," an election as a guest conductor for the 2026 California All-State High School Concert Band. Recognized by the California Band Directors Association for her leadership skills, Woo previously worked as an All-State conductor in the middle school field, and will now be tasked with guiding the next step up.
"I’m a little nervous, but super excited about working with the high school students … it’s such a humbling experience to be nominated and voted upon by my peers throughout the state of California," she added. "I’m very excited about it [and] it’s just such a deep honor."
Before embarking on her decades-long career, Woo knew about the power of music as a child, crediting her parents for seeing the "value of music" and exposing her to piano lessons at an early age.
"I was very shy as a kid, and I wasn’t comfortable in conversation with people, but I would be very happy sitting at the piano for hours or taking up my violin, and I think they recognized that was a way for me to get socialization in school."
Woo had her first taste of SMMUSD’s program while student teaching at UCLA, spending time at both Lincoln Middle School and Santa Monica High School, observing the connection between educators and students through the power of music, which resonated with the young teacher. After three years of teaching, she moved to JAMS, where she has stayed ever since.
Credit: Nico Salum Photography
She remarked that her teaching style she’s learned over the years would not have changed if she was an educator of any other subject, but is grateful to be a part of something "that connects and resonates with the human spirit."
"I saw a lot of students who I really connected with who were very shy [and] may have been awkward socially," Woo said. "But music seemed to be the magic key that really unlocked something inside them … what’s great about music is, it’s like golf, you can be recreational with it, you can be serious with it, you can play by yourself, you can play with other people. It’s something that makes school fun … music seems to be that wonderful element in their lives."
She stated that the district has always recognized music as a "core academic," and has been fortunate to "be part of this learning community." District leadership, including those at JAMS, are just as grateful for Woo’s consistent presence.
"JAMS is fortunate to have Angela Woo as part of our faculty and school community," said JAMS Principal Martha Chacon. "Her recognition as the 2024 California Music Educators Association Middle School Music Educator Award highlights the exceptional opportunities she provides our students in music education."
The school’s program has evolved over Woo’s tenure, growing in part due to the elementary level buffing up its music opportunities. JAMS now includes three levels of band and orchestra, as well as a jazz band club and opportunities for students to engage in small chamber music. Woo said she’s "very excited on what’s to come," including the ability to use California Proposition 28 funding for arts and music education.
In the latter half of May, JAMS will be presenting its spring concerts, a final chance to say goodbye to eighth-graders before they move onto Samohi. Though she notes some of her peers may not enjoy teaching middle school, it’s an age group where Woo thrives.
"It’s so magical to see from sixth grade to eighth grade, the transformation of who they’re becoming, and you can really help kind of influence their thinking about making good judgements and decisions," she said. "Middle school music is in its own, just a real unique privilege … to be able to work with [these] kids."
