Erika Gates is a Band Director and General Music teacher at Lake Region Middle School in Naples, Maine. She has a passion for creating meaningful access to music for all students. Her work focuses on empowering both educators and students through joyful music-making and culturally relevant teaching practices that support strong musicianship and ensemble skills.
Through her social media platforms, Gates shares practical teaching strategies, rehearsal techniques, and student-centered approaches to music learning, reaching educators across the country. Beyond the classroom, she organizes professional development for band directors on topics such as conducting, classroom culture, advocacy, and clarinet pedagogy. Gates previously served as the Maine Music Educators Association’s District 2 Chair and continues to advocate for high quality music education. In her free time, Gates enjoys sewing, gardening, and videography.
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