K-8 EXCELLENCE SINCE 1973 2027 7th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 (map) • 510‑845‑0876
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DeAndre Calhoun Interim Head of School 2024-25
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“The relationship among the adults has more to do with the character and the quality of a school than any other factor.”
Roland Barthes
Faculty
Rachel Durling grew up in Berkeley and studied violin with Anne Crowden. She received her bachelor of music degree from Mannes College of Music in New York City and her M.A. from Stanford University. Since returning to the Bay Area in 1985, she has played professionally with many groups, including the Santa Rosa Symphony, California Symphony, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, the Bay Area Jazz Composers Orchestra, and the Cuban Danzon group Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion. Rachel performs often with her groups, The Armanino Trio (with Dina Weinshelbaum), and Corvo String Quartet. In addition to her work at Black Pine Circle School, she teaches at the Crowden School, gives private lessons, and enjoys a successful concert schedule with her group, Baguette Quartette. Rachel joined the Black Pine Circle School music faculty in 1991. Her son Benjamin (a 2022 graduate of CalPoly SLO), graduated from BPC in 2014.
Teaching Since
1991
Pronouns
she/her
Contact
Email >
Why I Work with Children
I love working with kids because they’re open and sweet.
A Favorite Book
All great literature!
Quick Fact
Played at the Grammys
Lower School Spanish Teacher
Aïda attended the same elementary school as opera tenor Josep Carreras.
Full Bio >
First Grade Head Teacher, Kindergarten and First Grade Garden Teacher
Learning to play the Celtic Harp and studying Irish Gaelic
First-Third Grade Cello Teacher
Toured with the Western Opera Theater for eight years
First Grade Assistant Teacher
As a child, I wanted to be a farmer when I grew up.
Second Grade Assistant Teacher
Favorite dish to make and eat is “Sin Nam Thok”
Lower School Art Teacher
Started clowning at age 9
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Has developed a secret pizza sauce
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Science and Second-Fifth Grade Garden Teacher
Apprenticed at the National Theater of Croatia
Kindergarten-Third Grade Music Teacher
Was a college volleyball coach
BPC String Orchestra Leader
Creates musical arrangements for fun
Second Grade Head Teacher, Lower School Assistant Teacher Coordinator
Mad for dancing
Fifth Grade Assistant Teacher
Trying to re-learn Spanish
Third Grade Head Teacher
Took three and a half months to bike across the country with my husband
