Music

PERFORMING ARTS: 
Integrating the visual and performing arts into students’ lives is the foundation of what it means to be an Empresa Knight. We embrace ways to incorporate music, singing, and performing into every lesson. We encourage students to explore their interests in the arts and to display their learning through this creative outlet.

Why include MUSIC in our schools?

MUSIC education plays many important roles in student learning. Music is one discipline where all other academic subjects, including mathematics, language arts, science, social studies and physical fitness come together and connect.

MUSIC is unique to the human species. All humans are capable of participating in music at many different levels.

MUSIC connects humans across all gender, racial, geo-political, socio-economic, cultural and environmental divides.

MUSIC connects humans across all time.

MUSIC gives voice to what cannot be put into words.

MUSIC is a superior delivery system for truth.

AND…

MUSIC is just cool.

The new Mr. Cook(left) and
the original Mr. Cook(right).


Mr. Cook attended Empresa as a child, where his love of music began. Both of his parents, the original Mr. Cook and Mrs. Cook, taught at the school. After his time at Empresa, Mr. Cook went on to Washington Middle School(now VIDA) and then to Vista High School, growing his passion for music in the band and marching band programs, respectively.

Performing in front of audiences has been Mr. Cook’s strongest area of musicianship for many years. He has worked with many professional musicians(including his father) as well as children’s groups.

When it comes to music education, Mr. Cook is all in. It is his belief that learning to play an instrument teaches us one of the most important lessons that we can learn today: the delay of gratification. In a world where many of our desires can be achieved by pushing a few buttons, music can teach us how to work towards a goal that can only be accomplished by practice and perseverance.