At Southwest Middle School in San Diego, music teacher Keith R. Ballard taught more than scales and chords. His students learned about self-esteem, cultural sensitivity and the importance of academics. Mr. Ballard started Southwest Middle School's "Island Steel Drum Band" and mariachi ensemble. More than 200 students were involved in his music program, many of whom never played an instrument previously. Members of the mariachi band maintained good grades while traveling the country to perform on the Today Show, for President Bill Clinton and George Bush. His music programs has been featured on national TV six times and over 30 times on local television. Ballard published 4 times in professional education / music journals. Mr. Ballard's music programs reflected the school's rich ethnic diversity with Hispanic, African-American, white and Filipino students performing together. Mr. Ballard has a degree in music education and is currently pursuing his master's degree in education administration.
Mr. Ballard retired in 2025.
1993 Arizona State University, B.S.
