Daniel Gasparini
Class of 2003
Concert Choir • Jazz Choir • Musical Theater
California State University, Long Beach · Dominican University of California · San Francisco State University
_____
For Daniel Gasparini, saying yes to San Marin Performing Arts opened the door to lifelong friendships, greater confidence, and a teaching career shaped by creativity, connection, and joy.
Daniel currently teaches fifth grade at Strawberry Point Elementary School in Mill Valley, where he works to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in his students. Although he is no longer performing on stage, the arts remain a central part of his life and teaching.
He regularly brings music, visual art, theater, and creative expression into his classroom, giving students opportunities to explore ideas, collaborate, and discover their own voices. During the summers, Daniel returns to one of his earliest artistic passions—working with clay—and shares his handmade pottery through an annual holiday sale. Check out dirtclaysonoma on Instagram!
Career HighlightsAfter San Marin, Daniel attended California State University, Long Beach, initially studying film before returning as an Art Education major. An internship as a naturalist at Walker Creek Outdoor School helped him discover his passion for teaching and working with students.
Daniel later earned his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Dominican University of California. While beginning his career as an elementary school teacher, he also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Integrated Curriculum at Dominican. He went on to earn an Administrative Credential and a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University.
Today, in addition to teaching fifth grade, Daniel serves as the site union representative for the Mill Valley Teachers Association. Whether through teaching, theater, music, or ceramics, he continues to find ways to create, collaborate, and share the joy of artistic expression with others.
Reflection & AdviceLooking back, Daniel remembers several meaningful moments he shared with his brother Drew, including playing Mayor George Shinn opposite Drew’s Harold Hill in The Music Man. He also worked with Ms. Gates to create the barbershop quartet The Accidentals, which performed at a regional competition in Reno.
“One of the most memorable performances of my high school years was singing ‘You’re Nothing Without Me’ with my brother Drew during Intergenerational Night. That performance captured so much of what made my time in the performing arts program meaningful: the chance to create something together, celebrate our shared passions, and connect with an audience.”
“As a teacher today, I often think about the example Ms. Gates set. I strive to create the same kind of classroom environment: one where students are challenged to do their best, supported as they grow, and reminded that joy, laughter, and connection are essential parts of learning.”
Reflecting on what he took from San Marin Performing Arts, Daniel remembers entering high school shy, hesitant, and far more comfortable staying in his comfort zone. When his friend Kate Kenyon encouraged him to join the program and told him the class started at 7:00 a.m., his reaction was immediate: “Absolutely not!” Thankfully, he took the leap. That decision opened the door to friendships, creativity, collaboration, and experiences he never could have imagined.
“The confidence I gained from performing, working with others, and stepping outside of my comfort zone has stayed with me throughout my life. Today, as a teacher, I retell this story to my students, encouraging them to take chances, try new things, and discover abilities they may not yet know they have. San Marin Performing Arts taught me that some of the most meaningful opportunities begin with simply being willing to say yes.”
Daniel remembers Concert Choir as a place filled with laughter, mischief, and a strong sense of community. The tenor section—Daniel, Drew, and their friends—was known for singing the wrong part, distracting one another, and trying to make someone laugh during a solo. During musicals, getting a fellow performer to break character became almost an Olympic event.
“You never know where one opportunity might lead. Joining San Marin Performing Arts was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it started with taking a chance on something that initially felt outside my comfort zone.”
“While those moments were certainly mischievous, they were also a reflection of the incredible sense of community we built together. At the center of it all was Ms. Gates, who held us to high expectations and challenged us to grow, but also understood that we were still teenagers figuring things out—and, at times, a bunch of knuckleheads.”
Daniel encourages current students to embrace opportunities, especially the ones that feel intimidating at first.
“That one ‘yes’ introduced me to lifelong friendships, unforgettable performances, and experiences that shaped who I am today. Audition for the show, join the ensemble, try something new, and be willing to put yourself out there. The skills you develop, the people you meet, and the memories you create will stay with you long after you leave San Marin.”
