Office location: Music, D-2A Biography
Currently the department chair of the Music Department, he has been on the faculty at Sierra College since 1988, when he replaced Collan Walker, who began the choral program at the college in 1968. His duties, in addition to teaching several sections of music appreciation and fundamentals, include coordinator of the choral program and the musical theater program. Fred is also the founder and music director of the perennial community favorite, Broadway at Sierra, a musical revue that has just completed its ninth season. Since its inception, the show has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Sierra College Foundation, funding many projects on campus and has provided numerous scholarships to college students.
Teaching in public education since 1970, Mr. Weber has taught at all levels, including writing the curriculum and teaching in the vocal jazz program at his alma mater, CSU, Sacramento. Under his leadership, the choral program at Sierra has flourished, where he revitalized the Concert Choir, founded the Chamber/Madrigal Singers, the Vocal Jazz program, and the evening Sierra Community Chorus. His students have performed throughout the community, and were featured with several local orchestras in performances of masterworks. He has also conducted many of the Broadway productions on campus, including Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ, Superstar, and Man of La Mancha. In addition, a community concert series was started with his vision, and performers have included the Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento Symphony, Sacramento Opera, along with various highly regarded jazz artists. He is especially proud of the outstanding adjunct faculty he has been able to assemble at the college, and is excited about the future prospects of the department and its students.
Although student success is his biggest reward, Weber has been honored with several notable awards, including the Sierra College Faculty Member of the Year Award, The Most Outstanding Teacher Award, The Sierra College Foundation Hall of Fame Award, two Elly awards for his musical direction in community theater, an outstanding alumnus award from CSU, Sacramento, an outstanding music educators award from the California Music Teacher’s Association, and an award from Berkeley School of Music for outstanding musicianship.
Fred Weber is married to Debby, an outstanding musician in her own right, and his three children have all attended Sierra College. His philosophy is that music is a lifelong activity, involving active participation and active listening. It is not something that should be exhausting after a few years, and cause burn out or boredom. Music is always there to participate in, and much of his personal life reflects this idea. In addition to his teaching, he is involved in playing and conducting music for local theaters, churches, social functions, and personal enjoyment. Whether it is through careful guidance, or through experimentation, bringing music to this world one individual at a time is his goal.