March 30, 2026
WALNUT, CA - On March 18, Walnut Valley USD proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of the brand new Suzanne Middle School Music Building!
During the ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Taylor reflected on the district’s long-standing commitment to the arts, sharing, “Music has been a foundational value of our community forever, and that’s supported by our Board of Trustees, our staff, our parents, and our community at large. Today is a reflection of that commitment to the arts.”
Funded by Measure WV, this 10,000-square-foot facility features spacious choir and orchestra classrooms equipped with acoustical panels to support student learning and performance at the highest level. Sharing his gratitude for the collaborative effort behind the new music building, Board President Dr. Tony Torng said, “I’m really proud of our school district. We promised what we wanted to do and we did it.”
Matt Spinogatti, Principal of Suzanne Middle School, expressed his appreciation for the community in his opening remarks saying, “We gather not only to celebrate a new building, but to commemorate a moment that represents growth, opportunity, and a deep commitment to our students.”
Suzanne Music Teachers Jeff Blackstone and Ami Garvin shared their excitement about the new Music Building for their students. Blackstone said, “This building is alive with activity. When I open the doors in the morning, I have kids racing to the rooms to practice and creating their own ensembles.” Garvin added, “One of the things that opens my heart is seeing former students return. Walnut Valley grows their own. It takes a village. Thank you for believing in our students, and thank you for making an impact - parents and the community.”
This state-of-the-art building reflects what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Thank you to the Walnut Valley families, staff, and community for your continued support in making moments like this possible and for investing in opportunities for students.
About Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools have earned recognition for academic excellence from both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Many WVUSD schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. Several WVUSD schools were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025/2026 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD, please visit WVUSD.org. Connect with WVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Contact
Michelle Figueroa, Public Information Specialist
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204
Photos Shown:
- WVUSD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Taylor, Suzanne Principal Matt Spinogatti, Assistant Principal Dr. Nicolle Flores, Music Teachers Ami Garvin and Jeff Blackstone, and students Nicholas Yu and Ella Shih cut the ribbon in front of the new music building, celebrating its opening.
- Superintendent Dr. Taylor delivers a speech at the ceremony.
- Board President Dr. Tony Torng speaks to attendees during the ceremony.
- The Challenger Choir performs “Always Your Song,” directed by Jeff Blackstone.
- The Challenger Orchestra performs inside the new music building for attendees.
- The Challenger Band plays an entrance and exit performance as guests enter the new music building.
- Music Teachers Ami Garvin and Jeff Blackstone share their excitement with the audience.
- Band President Nicholas Yu and Orchestra President Ella Shih deliver a speech on behalf of the student body.