Eric Weirather has dedicated 31 years to music education in public schools, with 25 of those years spent at Rancho Buena Vista High School. Under his leadership, the music programs at RBV consistently rank among the top in California.
Eric was honored with the 2020 Arts Educator of the Year award from the Vista Education Foundation and the 2023 Teacher of the Year and Golden Apple Award from the Vista Unified School District. His concert and marching bands have earned statewide recognition, with his Marching Band named San Diego County Band of the Year six times and the Concert Band performing as a guest ensemble at the California All-State Music Conference on three occasions. Additionally, his Marching Band has performed in prestigious events such as the San Diego Big Balloon Parade and the Pasadena Rose Parade.
His program has also seen international success, with multiple tours across Europe and even a tour to China. Eric’s philosophy centers on the belief that music is a transformative force in the lives of young adults. He finds great joy in guiding his students through their formative years, using music as a tool for personal growth. He believes music has the unique ability to heal, unite, and inspire.
“Music has enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams, and at times, it may have even saved it. This is the experience I want my students to have—a lifelong connection to music that they can cherish, participate in, and support forever. Music is an essential part of the human experience.”
Eric grew up in Quincy, Illinois, studying privately with Charlie Winking, Ken Steinsultz, and Dale Kimpton. His passion for teaching was shaped by John and Paul Duker. At the University of Illinois, he studied tuba performance under Fritz Kaenzig and Mickey Moore, and conducting with Daniel Kuhut and Thomas Wisniewski. It was there that Eric fell in love with teaching from the podium, ultimately earning the position of principal tubist in the top band under James Keene.
Eric earned his Music Education degree from the University of Illinois in 1992, and after teaching briefly in a small district near Rochford, Illinois, he returned to school to pursue a graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Arizona. There, he was deeply influenced by mentors Gregg Hanson, Director of Bands, and composer David Maslanka, who composed Mass for U of A, a work that significantly shaped Eric’s approach to music and education.
Eric credits much of his success to the guidance of his music coaches, who helped his students build strong musical foundations, as well as to his parents for their unwavering support of his musical aspirations. He is also deeply grateful to his wife and son for their understanding of the demands of being a high school music educator and for their continuous love and support.
Eric Weirather
Part Time Faculty Music
rweirather@palomar.edu
(760) 744-1150 ext 5386