ABOUT
Behind the Music
Best known as a local San Francisco Band, Napa High Instrumental Music and their sound have developed and grown in popularity since 2000. Influenced by the community, culture, and sounds of their hometown, they perform music that speaks to fans across the musical spectrum. Their signature style has become synonymous with a diverse collection of melodies and compositions. This Band is on the rise, and nothing can stop them from achieving the success they work so hard for.
STAFF
Who’s Who
MIKE RIENDEAU
Director
At the center of Napa High School's Instrumental Music Program is Mr. Mike Riendeau - instructor, mentor, director, and cheer squad for the entire marching band, concert band, jazz band, color guard, drumline, string orchestra, chamber ensemble, and guitar student body. He's just the 4th person to serve as NSHIM Director in its over 100-year history, and brings experience and passion to his role each and every day.
Mr. Riendeau began his music education on the trombone in the 6th grade in Buellton, California, and continued playing through middle school and into high school as he moved with his family to Madison, Wisconsin and then to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In high school, he thrived in music, picking up guitar, serving as drum major, and starting his own band 'Mirror Image'. After high school, he worked hard rehearsing, gigging, and promoting two successive rock bands, and eventually returned to school to study music academically.
After earning his AA and BA degrees in music and music education, Mr. Riendeau followed in his parents' footsteps and became a teacher. He came to Napa to join the music department at Phillips Charter School, where he honed his skills and developed a solid pedagogical methodology for teaching General Music, Choral, Band & Strings. And finally, in 2008, Mr. Riendeau was chosen to replace the retiring Harry Cadelago as Napa High School's Instrumental Music Director.
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Contact: mriendeau@nvusd.org
ALAN PARKS
Special Instructor
Alan K. Parks is a full time musician and music teacher in Napa, California. He plays tuba, upright bass and electric bass. He is a member of several bands in Northern California and runs the Napa based bands The Smart Fellers and Spy Band as well as the Overture Brass Quintet. He is also the one responsible for the annual Napa Tuba Christmas. You can also find him performing in the pit orchestras of various local theater productions.
Mr. Parks is an assistant director for the Napa High School Instrumental Music Department where he helps teach and rehearse the jazz band, concert band and orchestra.
Mr. Parks graduated from Vintage High School in Napa in 1981 and started playing music jobs, adding to his music knowledge on the job and through diligent research on his own. He has a deep knowledge of orchestral scores, instrument transpositions, musical idioms for all styles, arranging and performance techniques.
Mr. Parks lives in Napa with his wife of over thirty years and his three daughters.